Is A River Alive? - Robert Macfarlane

From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book – which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.

At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings – who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.

The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.

Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.

And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river – the Mutehekau or Magpie – is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.

At once Macfarlane’s most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers – and always has.

Free Freight is offered on New Zealand deliverable orders of over $300.

Our shipping rates are based on the cost of your combined purchases.

As a general rule, orders will be dispatched from our Queenstown store, on the next business day after payment is received. Sometimes, we might achieve same day dispatch, however this is not guaranteed.

All orders are freighted via standard security freight, utilising several different Third Party couriers. The courier/s used will depend on the product ordered and the delivery address. Freight for destinations outside of normal regions, should be negotiated prior to dispatch.

Click and Collect - With online purchases, the customer has an option to personally collect from our NZSHRED store at 19 Shotover Street, Queenstown. These purchases are freight & handling free-of-charge.

Please note all solid Watersports boards (eg: Paddleboards, Surfboards, Wakeboards & Wakeskates) are generally Click and Collect ONLY. We can on occasions quote on freighting of these to New Zealand destinations. This cost will be 100% incurred by the customer. 

All International Orders require a contact phone number to be provided to the local courier. For orders to China, a Resident ID is also required prior to dispatch.

Send us a message through our Customer Service page or use our Live Chat - just click the red bubble on the right hand side

Collapsible tab content