Second Nature

In a fresh approach to conservation, 42 British writers and artists examine the relationship between humans and nature in terms of their own experience. They are members of Common Ground, an organization that seeks to halt destruction of the environment by bridging the gap between nature conservation and the arts. All share an affection for native landscapes, a respect for rural history and a rapport with other forms of life. Among the essayists are Ronald Blythe (Akenfield and John Fowles (The Magus; the pieces range from anecdotal to poetic, historical and philosophical. Artists include Jamie McCulloch, Stephen Dalton (a remarkable color photograph of a bee), Henry Moore, Elizabeth Frink. This successful union of text and art underlines the importance of the natural world in our cultural and social life, and of the need to preserve it. (February 21)