The Last Wolf

The True Story of Britain's Final Wild Wolves

Jim Crumley investigates the legend and fate of Scotland's last wolf

About the Ebook

In 1743, according to legend, the last wolf in Scotland was killed by a huntsman near Inverness. At the time the extinction of wolves in Scotland was celebrated. But since then deer have multiplied in the Highlands, destroying the vegetation on which an array of wildlife depends and creating a barren, treeless landscape. Gradually it has become clear that the entire eco-system has been thrown out of balance by the elimination of a top predator. Now there are calls for a limited reintroduction of wolves into Scotland as a way of healing the damaged land. The wolf has been the victim of black propaganda since ancient times. By tellers of folk tales and historians alike it has been described as a slayer of babies, a robber of graves, a devourer of battlefield dead. In this passionate polemic, Jim Crumley argues that these stories are pure fiction, a distortion of reality which prevents people from thinking rationally about the huge benefits the presence of wolves could bring to Scotland. Now is the time for myths to be dispelled, and for the wolf to return to its old home in the highlands.

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Discover the real history behind Scotland's legendary final wolves
• Explore the case for wolf reintroduction in modern Scotland
• Read nature writing that blends ecology, folklore, and advocacy
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

Reviews

'Crumley offers food for thought and argument, whatever side of the line you stand — a writer unafraid to challenge assumptions about Scotland's wild places.' Herald Magazine

'The best nature writer working in Britain today, bringing clarity, passion and a fierce sense of place to every page.' Los Angeles Times

'A fantastic writer whose work captures the spirit of the landscape and the creatures that inhabit it.' BBC Countryfile Magazine

About the Author

Jim Crumley was born and grew up in Dundee, and now lives in Stirlingshire. He has written over twenty books including The Great Wood and The Winter Whale, and has made documentaries for BBC Radio 4, Radio Scotland and Wildlife on One.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 10 December 2012

Print Length: 256 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9780857905208

Format: Ebook

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