This book consists of 147 very short chapters, (chapter 3 is only five words long!).  Written over a year, it follows UK author, Simon Barnes’ personal musings on the concept of ‘wildness’, illustrated by his observations and recollections. Compared with most nature writing, there is a lot more human insight, (and alcohol, cosy pubs and Zambian Lager bookend encounters with Spoonbills, Cisticola’s and lions).  Barnes is a sports columnist, which adds a unique flavour to his nature writing.  His personal theories are occasionally eccentric but always intriguing. Into a light-hearted anecdote, Barnes will distil a facet of humanity’s relationship with the rest of Earth’s biodiversity.  In the next chapter, a philosophical discussion will be capped by an irreverent punch-line. In the following example, Barnes expresses a characteristic mix of emotions at seeing a Red Admiral butterfly in the northern early winter, the presence of this summer migrant a troubling symptom of looming climate change.‘I saw my last Red Admiral on November 17.  Thus, in the gentlest and most beautiful way possible, we see the madness of the world and the irreversible nature of the changes we brought about.’   I hasten to add that this is ultimately a very heartening book with universal appeal, especially for those struggling with their own dilemmas about nature and their efforts to protect it.  Highly recommended.Reviewed by Brian Bainbridge