First published in 1927, The Charm of Birds was an immediate bestseller, and combined an amateur ornithologist’s keen eye with enthusiasm and a remarkably modern sensibility and style. In particular Grey, much better known as the statesman who guided British Foreign Policy in the early decades of the 20th century, broke with the traditions of an earlier age which saw shooting as indivisible from a love of nature. Grey’s delight in the birds he found around both his home in Northumberland and his Hampshire cottage shines from every page. Nearly 100 years after the first publication of The Charm of Birds a whole new generation of readers is rediscovering Grey’s unique perspective, and appreciating again the freshness of the prose. This new edition has an introduction by the best-selling nature writer Stephen Moss and a foreword by the author Conor Jameson. Illustrated with engravings by Eric Fitch Daglish.

‘…a small but very special masterpiece.’ Stephen Moss

Edward Grey (1862-1933) was a statesman and writer.  He served as Foreign Secretary from 1905 to 1916, and is remembered for his phrase ‘the lamps are going out’ on the outbreak of the First World War. He later became president of the League of Nations Union and Ambassador to the United States.

Stephen Moss  is a naturalist and best-selling writer whose books include Ten Birds that Changed the World.