For centuries, poets and philosophers extolled the benefits of a walk in the woods: Beethoven drew inspiration from rocks and trees; Wordsworth composed while walking over the heath; Nikola Tesla conceived the electric motor while visiting a park.

From forest paths in Korea to islands in Finland to eucalyptus groves in California, Florence Williams investigates the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health and creativity. Delving into new research, she uncovers the powers of the natural world to improve health, promote reflection and innovation, and strengthen our relationships. As our lives shift indoors, these ideas-and the answers they yield-are more urgent than ever.

About the Author
A contributing editor at Outside magazine, Florence Williams is the author of Breasts, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and The Nature Fix. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic, and many other outlets. She lives in Washington, DC.

Reviews
"...we intuitively know that being outside is good for us. But science also backs this up. American journalist and author Florence Williams has gathered and simplified the research in her book The Nature Fix, which reveals that we are hard-wired to be in the natural world." -- Clare Coulson - Financial Times
"A beautifully written, thoroughly enjoyable exposition of a major principle of human life now supported by evidence in biology, psychology, and medicine." -- Edward O. Wilson
"The Nature Fix by Florence Williams is an ideal holiday pick too, chock-full of insights about the health benefits of spending time in nature." -- Rohan Silva, Summer Reads 2017 - The Guardian
"... the author makes a compelling argument for time outdoors. She takes a refreshing approach, including 'forest bathing' (the Japanese custom of a sensory walk in the woods); ecotherapy in Scotland; and how nature can produce the same effects as mind-altering drugs. Thought-provoking and excellent.
" -- BBC Wildlife Magazine
"... impassioned and thorough exploration of nature's impact on our bodies, psyches and creativity..." -- The Irish Examiner
"One recent book that I've found fascinating is The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams. It goes into much scientific research exploring the impact of nature and trees on our health." -- The Sunday Telegraph
"... a wonderful book called The Nature Fix - all about why it is that we tend to feel happier and healthier when we spend time in the natural world. It's full of fascinating insights - and well worth reading." -- Rohan Silva - Evening Standard
"In every chapter, Williams visits someone conducting research into the effects of these different experiences of nature on the mind. Her focus is the neuroscience - how our brains are hardwired." -- Times Educational Supplement
"An engaging, entertaining and enlightening read... Full of fascinating information and interesting insights and theories, this book reads like a documentary as Florence Williams travels the world in search of definitive answers to questions about why we need nature and how best to enjoy it." -- The Loveplace



Book Information
ISBN 9780393355574
Author Florence Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 20mm