Ewan Clarkson facts for kids

Ewan Clarkson (1929–2010) was an English writer who loved nature. He wrote many books, especially about wild animals and the natural world. His stories often taught readers about wildlife and how humans affect it.

Early Life and Career Path

Ewan Clarkson was born in Workington, England, on January 23, 1929. He went to school at Altrincham Grammar School. Later, he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps from 1947 to 1949.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Ewan had many different jobs. For a long time, he worked as a veterinary surgeon, which is an animal doctor. He helped sick animals at the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). He also worked as a laboratory assistant.

Ewan realized he cared deeply about the animals he treated. He felt too emotional to be a scientist who had to be very objective. So, he decided to move to Devon, a beautiful part of England, to become a writer. He wanted to write about nature in a way that showed his feelings.

Before his first book came out, Ewan had other interesting jobs. He was a beach photographer, a rabbit farmer, and even a lorry driver for the Ministry of Defence.

Writing About Nature and Animals

Ewan Clarkson's first book was called Break for Freedom (1968). In the United States, it was published as Syla, the Mink. The story is about a mink that escapes from a fur farm in Devon. This book showed how much Ewan was influenced by other nature writers like Henry Williamson.

Ewan often wrote about how human actions impact nature. He explored this idea in many of his books. After Break for Freedom, he wrote Halic, the Story of a Grey Seal in 1970. He continued to write many other novels and non-fiction books about wildlife.

He was one of the first writers to speak out against the use of pesticides. These are chemicals used to kill pests. Several of his books also explored the harmful effects of intense farming methods on the environment.

Books for All Ages

Ewan Clarkson's books were popular with both adults and children. He believed that one of the main goals of his writing was to educate people. He wanted to teach readers about the natural world and its creatures.

He also wrote several books specifically for younger children. Besides books, he wrote many articles for magazines about angling, which is fishing. Ewan was a very skilled fisherman. He was known for being a pioneer in saltwater fly fishing techniques.

Ewan Clarkson lived in Newton Abbot, England. He passed away on April 19, 2010.

Personal Life

Ewan Clarkson got married in 1951. He and his wife had two children.