Is A River Alive? - Can a New Book Convince You?

Author: Robert Macfarlane, Cambridge University, Emmanuel College, WW Norton & Company
Published: Tue 05 Aug 2025
Episode Link: www.theriverradius.com

Every year, we ask one big question: What is a River? This year, the currents brought us to Dr. Robert Macfarlane—writer & professor—and his newly released book, Is A River Alive?, Dr Macfarlane joined us to explore that very question. From the chalk streams from his home in England to rivers across three continents, Macfarlane pursues his answers. In this episode, we move through his global journey, his new water literacy, and why he calls himself a teacher first.

GUESTS

Dr Robert Macfarlane, University of Cambridge

Dr Robert Macfarlane, Wikipedia

@robgmacfarlane

Book: IS A RIVER ALIVE?

Audio Book: IS A RIVER ALIVE?

Film: MOUNTAIN narrated by Willem Dafoe

The poem Inversaid by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Rights of Nature

Universal Declaration of River Rights

River Seine in Paris and a Declaration of River Rights

Britain's Premier Nature Writer Cries Us a River