THE BADGERS OF SUMMERCOMBE

by Ewan Clarkson ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 18, 1977

The animal kingdom must have its Delderfield, and this time Clarkson pays tribute to the stately underground manses of a ""proud and ancient race,"" the European badger. Within the woodsy slopes of Somerset, Borun, of the Summercombe tribe of handsome carnivores, is orphaned early by truck and trap. Then it's badger ho! for adventure as Borun strikes up a partnership with a large abandoned cat, is ousted from home by a squatter fox, is swept away by flood, captured by gypsies, sold to a zoo, liberated, mated, and at last returned to ancestral digs in Summercombe. In an interlude concerning the human species, retired teacher Miss Polly feeds wild badgers and articulates concern for the disappearing habitat of such useful, attractive animals. Clarkson immerses himself in badger-hood to a remarkable degree--ingesting moles and voles and digging tunnels with enthusiasm. A venerable, undemanding treatment of animal ways--exactitude in natural detail and a just-tolerable sentiment.

Pub Date: April 18, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1977

Categories: FICTION