The essays in this inaugural volume were commissioned from a number of outstanding writers (many of them national prize winners). Some are professional naturalists, others are poets, filmmakers, dancers, philosophers, activists. All write with passion, originality and humour about the natural world, our place within it, and our impact upon it. The Eye in the Thicket reminds us of the tradition embraced by natural histories, while the authors included here all have the creative ability to transcend social concerns and political boundaries. The series will create a unique archive of Canadian writers reflecting upon our environment and our history. Contributors include: Don Gayton, Jan Zwicky, Don McKay, Barry Callaghan, Patrick Lane, Susan Musgrave, Brian Brett, Terry Glavin, Trevor Herriot, Davida Monk, Tim Lilburn, Steven Lattey, Prudence Grieve, Iltyd Perkins, and Lloyd Ratzlaff. "Metaphor, music, character and plot are all masterfully wielded." — Books in Canada

Seán Virgo was born in Malta, and grew up in South Africa, Malaya, Ireland and the U.K. He immigrated to Canada in 1966 and became a citizen in 1972. He has published a number of works of both poetry and fiction including: Pieces for the Old Earth Man(1974); Island (1975); Selected Poems (1990); White Lies & Other Fictions (1981); Through the Eyes of a Cat (1983); Selakhi (1987); Wormwood (1989); and Waking in Eden (1991). His work has won various awards, including the CBC Competition (first prize for fiction, 1979); The BBC 3 Short Story Competition (first prize, 1980); and National Magazine Awards (first prize for both Poetry [1979] and Fiction [1990 ]).

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