From acclaimed nature writer Richard Mabey, Whistling in the Dark: In Pursuit of the Nightingale is a rich and thoughtful exploration of the natural and literary histories of the elusive nightingale. 

For thousands of years, the nightingale has been the most celebrated songbird in history. From Ovid to Shakespeare, Shelley to Keats, its exquisite song has inspired poets and playwrights, symbolising the enduring power of nature and love. But why have humans always fallen under its spell?

Nightingales have acquired a newly high profile in recent years, driven by revelations about their population collapse and a renewed interest in their cultural history. Each May, radio programmes now broadcast live songs and readings from the woods of southern England.

This new, fully revised edition of Whistling in the Dark promises to be more memorable than ever, featuring: 

• New first-hand accounts of nightingale performances, capturing their ethereal beauty both at home and across the globe. 
• Insightful explorations into the bird’s recent population changes, unveiling possible causes behind their mysterious decline. 
• A newly uncovered story revealing that the nightingale’s iconic song, featured in Beatrice Harrison’s 1924 live BBC broadcast, was, in fact, the work of a remarkably talented human bird mimic. 
• Cutting-edge scientific and philosophical perspectives on the profound relationship between birdsong and music. 

Republished in 2025 by Aurum as a classic edition, this lyrical and illuminating work blends nature writing, folklore, and literary history to uncover the nightingale’s timeless allure.