‘...a wonderful collection: rich, lyrical, elegiac, politically strong full of invective. A brave voice too – and a distinct voice.’ Menna Elfyn
Tapestry of a Desert Nomad brings together a selection of amateur naturalist and austringer Eric Morrissey’s reflections – on flora and fauna, his own roots in the Welsh Valleys, and world events...
Author Bio:
Eric Morrissey was born in Cwmaman on March 15th, 1948. He was educated at Aberdare Grammar School. He joined the Royal Navy on May 6th, 1963, where he continued his education at HMS Vincent, Gosport, and HMS Collingwood, Portsmouth, where he qualified as an electrical mechanic. After leaving the Royal Navy he moved back to Aberdare, before finally settling in Llechryd, with his wife, Sylvia. He made two tours of the Far East where he enjoyed, among other things, the oriental cultural differences between Eastern and Western falconers. He became fascinated with falconry and it was in the East where he became interested in becoming an austringer: someone who flies eagles and hawks as opposed to falcons. Eric is also a keen naturalist and artist, using charcoals, pastels, acrylic and oils. He used to be a dedicated athlete, having raced in more than twenty marathons with a best time of 3hrs 12mins.