Idle Days in Patagonia (Travellers, Explorers & Pioneers) [Paperback]

W. H. Hudson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005 | Series: Travellers, Explorers & Pioneers

First published in 1893, W.H. Hudson's Idle Days in Patagonia is the narrative of his life's great adventure—a year in Patagonia. His time there climaxed 30 years as a naturalist, riding and roving in his native Argentina. His visit to this remote country fulfilled not only a private dream, but also a scientific mission. His collection of bird skins together with a brilliant report to the Zoological Society of London more than a century ago added greatly to his prestige as an ornithologist. In this book, Hudson's scientific interests harmonize perfectly with his extraordinary narrative and descriptive power. Its acute observation of nature and man, and its evocation of remote places and strange peoples mark him as a writer of keenness and distinction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hudson called upon his literary skills as a writer and his keen eye for observation to pen this volume.” -- Library Journal

From the Publisher

Idle Days in Patagonia is a beautifully illustrated account of the fauna, and to a lesser extent the flora, of Patagonia. Far from being just a travelogue, Hudson combines his observations with elements of the adventure tale—the gentle naturalist being both shipwrecked and shot in the rich course of his travels. His passionate accounts of the world he finds are imbued with a literary air with such passages as a rhapsody on "the quality of whiteness" that one "finds only in solitude."

This book is part anthropological study, part travelogue and part adventure story in one, all completed in a readable literary style that sheds light on this dark corner of the world.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Nonsuch Publishing (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845880242
• ISBN-13: 978-1845880248
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,767,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very beautiful rather than profound, February 22, 2001

By 

A. G. Plumb "Greg Plumb" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Idle Days in Patagonia (The Collected Works of W.H. Hudson (24 Volumes)) (Library Binding)

This is a tranquil, contemplative work of reflection on the varieties of nature. Like the amazing bird that changes its song regularly when one of its species, for reasons unkown, 'decides' to create a new melody which the others then follow. Another thing to look out for is the sensation that Hudson's glasses has on the local indigenous population - mocking laughter turns to incredulous amazement. This book brought peace to my life, and hopefully increased my sensitivity to natural wonders all around me - everyday ones as well as the extraordinary.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit self-indulgent, May 9, 2008

By 

Ted Byrd - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Idle Days in Patagonia (Paperback)

Of the three non-fiction books I've read by W.H.Hudson(the other two being The Naturalist in La Plata and A Shepherd's Life)this is far the weakest. Where the personality of the writer was unobtrusive in the other works, it becomes intrusive to the point of being offensive in Idle Days in Patagonia. There are some interesting anecdotes about local characters and happenings, as well as details about animal behavior. But the biggest drawback is the overlong philosophical rambling, of which the topics sometimes seem downright trivial. However, don't be put off by one lesser work. The Naturalist in La Plata is an excellent book of natural history of the pampas, and A Shepherds's Life is quite good as well.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Bit Disapointed, February 8, 2008

By 

James C. Yutzy - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Idle Days in Patagonia (Paperback)

What I love about the writings of W. H. Hudson is his wonderful descriptions of the flora, fauna, and folklore of South America. But I suppose it is true what they say about idle minds. There is way too much anthropological philosophizing in this book and it gets tedious. The romance with rugged naturalism is a bit much.