The man who made things out of trees
An exuberant tale of craftsmanship for nature lovers and rugged outdoor types everywhere. Robert Penn cut down an ash tree to see how many things could be made from it. He found that the ancient skills and knowledge of the properties of ash, developed over millennia making wheels and arrows, furniture and baseball bats, are far from dead. The book chronicles how the urge to understand and appreciate trees still runs through us all like grain through wood. This is particularly evident in some of our owners; whether they're crafting their own creations or willingly passing on their knowledge to eager guests.
The shepherd's life
James Rebanks is the first son of a shepherd, who was the first son of a shepherd himself. He and his family have lived and worked in and around the Lake District for generations. In evocative and lucid prose, James Rebanks takes us through a shepherd’s year, offering a unique account of the rural life and fundamental connection with the land that most of us have lost. Of course, staying in one of our Shepherd's Huts is a great way to do just that, some owners might even let you help out.
The malay archipelago
Of all the extraordinary Victorian travelogues, The Malay Archipelago has a fair claim to be the greatest - both as a beautiful, alarming, vivid and gripping account of some eight years' travel across the entire Malay world - from Singapore to the western edges of New Guinea - and as the record of a great mind. Best enjoyed in the wilderness, this book serves as an inspiration to set off on your own mini adventures.
Feral
How many of us sometimes feel that we are scratching at the walls of this life, seeking to find our way into a wider space beyond? That our mild, polite existence sometimes seems to crush the breath out of us? Feral is the lyrical and gripping story of George Monbiot's efforts to re-engage with nature and discover a new way of living. He shows how, by restoring and rewilding our damaged ecosystems on land and at sea, we can bring wonder back into our lives.
Cabin Porn
From the creators of the hugely popular Tumblr site, 'Cabin Porn', comes this collection of breath-taking photography of rural escapes and inspiring stories of people who've created their dream home. Looking at photos is lovely, but as anyone who has ever poured over a recipe book will know, the real joy comes from trying them out yourselves! Look out for a couple of Canopy & Stars spaces, but if you miss them we've got plenty more creative cabins to lust over.
The fly trap
Fredrik Sjöberg finds happiness in the little things. Millions of them, in fact. This beguiling bestseller is his unique meditation on collecting hoverflies. It is also about living on a remote Swedish island, blissful long summer nights, lost loves, unexpected treasures, art, nature, slowness, and how freedom can come from the things we least expect. If you too are looking for the meaning of life, reading this at one of the places below can't be a bad way to start.
Consolations of the forest
Sylvain Tesson, found a radical solution to his need for freedom, one as ancient as the experiences of the hermits of old Russia: he decided to lock himself alone in a cabin in the middle taiga, on the shores of Baikal, for six months. Although he no doubt got a good story out of it, next time Sylvain, give us a call! We've got plenty of places where you could go for days without seeing another soul.
The Wander Society
A guide to the Wander Society, a secretive group that holds up the act of wandering, or unplanned exploring, as a way of life. You'll learn about the group's mysterious origins, meet fellow wanderers through time, discover how wandering feeds the creative mind, and learn how to best practice the art of wandering, should you choose to accept the mission. Are Canopy & Stars members of the Wander Society you may wonder? The first rule of the Wander Society is...
The call of the wild, white fang and other stories
The Call of the Wild, White Fang and Other Stories collects some of Jack London's most profound and moving tales. From the story of a dog learning to survive in the wilderness to the tale of an abused dog taking revenge on its owner. To avoid the latter and give your pup a taste of the former, we've got over 150 places where you can go wild on four legs as well as two.
Walden
Inspiring, brilliantly written, cantankerous and funny - Walden is both a very specific story about one man's attempt to live the simple life in the wilderness, and the great, founding text both for the environmental movement and the entire counter-culture. It has no doubt inspired countless decisions to live life more sustainably and quite possibly inspired plenty of our owners to create their own inventive spaces.
