Ben Myers pens 'startling and powerful' nature exploration

Independent non-fiction publisher Elliott & Thompson has signed Under the Rock, a "bold and original" exploration of landscape, nature and literature by Benjamin Myers.

Under the Rock explores Scott Rock, a steep crag carved from the valley side above Mytholmroyd in Calderdale, West Yorkshire. The publisher said: "Into this beautiful, dark and complex landscape steps Myers, who asks: 'are unremarkable places made remarkable by the minds that map them?' The result is a lyrical and unflinching investigation into nature, literature, history, memory and the very meaning of place in modern Britain."

Publisher Jennie Condell bought UK & Commonwealth rights from Jessica Woollard at David Higham Associates.

Condell said: "This is a startling and powerful contribution to the literature of landscape and place from a writer of immense talent. Ben’s dark, atmospheric novels are deservedly cult classics, and this book will establish him as an exciting new voice in non-fiction. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Ben to bring his extraordinary writing to the widest possible audience."

Myers is an author, journalist and poet. His novels include The Gallows Pole (Bluemoose), Turning Blue (Moth), Beastings (Bluemoose), Pig Iron (Bluemoose), and Richard (Picador).

Under the Rock will be published in hardback in May 2018.