Seasons in the South: A Tasmanian Naturalist's Journey of Discovery-and Recovery by Simon Grove is a richly illustrated and deeply personal natural history narrative that takes readers on a month-by-month exploration of Tasmania's unique flora, fauna, landscapes, and seasons. Drawing from over two decades of the author's experiences as a conservation biologist and senior curator of invertebrate zoology, this book offers an intimate blend of scientific insight and heartfelt storytelling.
Travel through Tasmania's diverse environments-from alpine moorlands and rainforests to rugged coastlines and inland lagoons-while encountering extraordinary species, many endemic and rare. The narrative is enhanced by Keith Davis's exquisite illustrations, bringing to life the intricate beauty of Tasmania's natural world.
Beyond a traditional natural history, the book interweaves Simon Grove's remarkable personal journey of overcoming life-threatening illness, highlighting how nature served as his solace and inspiration through recovery. This powerful human element makes the book resonate on multiple levels, appealing to naturalists, scientists, and general readers alike.
With endorsements from prominent wildlife scientists and columnists, and a comprehensive index of species, Seasons in the South is both an authoritative reference and a celebration of nature's wonders. It also touches thoughtfully on Indigenous perspectives, acknowledging Tasmania's First Peoples and their enduring connection to the land.
Ideal for distributors and booksellers, this title caters to a growing audience interested in environmental literature, natural history, and personal memoirs of resilience. It offers a unique Tasmanian perspective with universal themes of discovery, connection, and healing. The book's broad appeal and engaging style make it a compelling addition to any collection focused on nature, ecology, and human stories intertwined with the environment.
Key selling points:
- A month-by-month natural history of Tasmania's seasons and wildlife
- Illustrated by acclaimed artist Keith Davis
- Personal narrative of survival and recovery from leukaemia
- Richly detailed yet accessible writing, suitable for naturalists and general readers
- Includes Indigenous acknowledgments and environmental reflections
- Comprehensive species index and scientific insights
- Strong endorsements from experts in wildlife science and natural history
Seasons in the South is published by Glass House Books and is available in both paperback and ebook formats, with the 2nd edition released in 2026.
Davis, Keith: - KEITH DAVIS has been drawing, sketching and painting nature for five decades, and his artworks have been exhibited widely. He is a qualified artist and natural history illustrator, and also has education and science credentials. He is a passionate nature and sustainability educator, designer of permaculture systems, and author and illustrator of Seasons of the Far South, an educational book about the flora and fauna ofTasmania's south.
Grove, Simon: - SIMON GROVE is Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart. He hails from England. Following doctoral research in the Daintree rainforests of tropical North Queensland, he moved to Tasmania with his young family in 2001, to work as a Conservation Biologist. A lifelong naturalist, he is author of The Seashells of Tasmania: A Comprehensive Guide, and has also published widely on Tasmanian natural history and ecology. Simon regularly chats about Tasmanian invertebrates on local radio, and in 2019 was awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion-the 'Nobel Prize for Australian naturalists
