Whistling in the Dark

In Pursuit of the Nightingale

A timeless exploration of the nightingale, blending cultural history, science, and the mysterious beauty of birdsong. This newly revised edition includes first-hand accounts of nightingale performances, insights into their declining population, and reveals untold stories like the human mimic behind a famous 1924 BBC broadcast.

‘A book so delightful that I must share it’ - Simon Jenkins, The Times  

‘Mabey is one of our best nature writers and he has produced a delightful book, as enlightening as it is uplifting’ - John Preston, The Sunday Telegraph  

‘A pure pleasure to read’ - Peter Levi, The Spectator 

‘Exquisite and illuminating’ - Euan Dunn, The Countryman  

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. 

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Whistling in the Dark will be accompanied by an enhanced audiobook adaptation with sound inserts featuring the nightingale’s song alongside medieval music inspired by the bird. It will also include the poignant BBC recording of a nightingale singing amid the roar of bombers during the Second World War, as well as Messiaen’s evocative piano piece from Les Oiseaux.

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• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

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