A collection of tender meditations on the restorative power of nature, Mary Webb's beautiful poems and lyrical essays were written from a place of profound love for the English countryside.
"That is Mary Webb—one who had discovered 'the core of sweetness in much bitter'—and while her poetry and prose reflect life's tragedy, the light of a thankful heart shines forth."
Composed during a period of personal convalescence, this collection of evocative poems and essays explores how the natural world offers solace to the weary soul. With Webb's signature poetic prose, each piece reflects on the healing found in birdsong, wildflowers, and changing skies. Rather than grand philosophical treatise, Webb offers an intimate dialogue between the human spirit and the earth.
Ragged Hand gathers the verse and prose of Mary Webb (1881–1927) into a single beautiful edition: her selected poems set beside the essays of The Spring of Joy, first published in 1917 with an introduction by Walter de la Mare. A companion to return to in search of comfort, reflection, or renewal, this collection is a soothing literary balm.
This edition features:
- Mary Webb's selected poems gathered with her lyrical nature essays in one volume
- Includes the complete essays of The Spring of Joy, first published in 1917
- Nature writing on birdsong, wildflowers, and changing skies
- A beautiful Ragged Hand edition to return to again and again