Harrogate's most famous living writer to sign new book at Imagined Things store

An illustration by Nick Hayes from Harrogate writer Rob Cowen's new book The Heeding which is published today.

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Rob Cowen, whose bestselling book on nature Common Ground was set largely in Harrogate and the Nidd Gorge area and was voted one of the nation’s favourite nature books on BBC Winterwatch, conceived his vibrant new book The Heeding during the pandemic at his family home in Harrogate.

Stunningly illustrated by talented writer, illustrator and print-maker Nick Hayes, The Heeding is a work of poetry, rather than prose, addressing the subject of the pandemic through the prism of nature and Rob’s own life.

Award-winning Harrogate writer Rob Cowen whose new book The Heeding is published today by Elliott & Thompson.

Such is the buzz about this inspirational and life-affirming book, it’s already set for a second print run even though it is only been published today by Elliott & Thompson.

Rob said: “The influence and inspiration of the Harrogate area on the book was profound and essential.

“Originally the book was going to be called ‘In the Yarden’ because many of the poems are set in the little backyard that was the centre-point of our outside world during the pandemic.”

Rob is also launching The #ReadingTheHeeding campaign which will run across Twitter and Instagram into Independent Bookshop Week (19-26 June).

Today, Thursday will see the writer himself appearing at Imagined Things at 2pm in Westminster Arcade.

Future in persons visits will include Waterstones on James Street this Saturday and the Little Ripon Bookshop on Thursday, July 1.

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