Naming Nature

“A GLORIOUS BOOK” –Dr. Jane Goodall

A lyrical journey through the world’s languages that reveals how humanity has named—and been shaped by—the natural world, complete with exquisite archival artwork from the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. 

From New York Times bestselling author T.A. Barron comes this captivating exploration of how human cultures across time and geography have described the living world around them. From the poetic to the practical, the reverent to the resourceful, every language holds unique insights into how we perceive and relate to nature.

Drawing on etymology, folklore, and linguistic nuance, this richly illustrated volume uncovers the meanings behind the names we give to animals and plants—from the “unstoppable one” (elephant in Tsawna and Tsonga) to the delicate metaphors for butterflies and birds in ancient and modern tongues. Whether rooted in mythology, survival, or awe, these words reveal the deep interconnection between language and landscape. 

Featuring gorgeous illustrations sourced from the Bodleian’s archives, Naming Nature is a celebration of cultural and ecological diversity—and a beautiful gift for nature lovers, word enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ways we speak of the wild.