List Of Writers

WALKER, ELAINE

Email: j.elaine.walker@googlemail.com

Born in 1960, Elaine has lived in North Wales all her life and has been a freelance writer since 1997. Her work includes fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Much of her non-fiction is concerned with equestrian history and culture, in particular her book, Horse (Reaktion Books, 2008). Elaine has published widely in hard copy and online, including in Women’s Writing, Andalusian Horse, Horse of Kings and OPENdoor, as well as Transparent Words, Serendipity, Caught in the Net, Roundyhouse and TimeTravel Britain (also available here).

As a fiction writer, she is particularly interested in magical realism and storytelling which is not bounded by reality. Her first novel, coincidentally called The Horses, is forthcoming from Cinnamon Press in 2010. She has a doctorate in English Literature and her academic work on early modern horsemanship manuals crosses into her interest in the fantastic in the lives and writing of the first Duke and Duchess of Newcastle.

Elaine lectures for the Open University, the University of Wales and the Open College of the Arts. She runs her own online writing courses and is an Academi Mentor.

Reviews:
With respect to Horse (Reaktion Books, 2008)

"…This is a wonderful book, and every equine student should own a copy! It provides a clear, concise and comprehensive overview of the human-horse relationship, and is written in an engaging and accessible style..."
Dr. Samantha Hurn, National Equine Student Journal of Equine Studies

"...This book is warm, engaging and personal, which makes it immensely readable. Yet Walker has packed the pages with a concise presentation of equine history and opened the door on topics long overdue for investigation. Whether it be traditional history ...or one of her keen cultural observations, Walker can be counted on to educate and entertain effortlessly.. . the appearance of a meticulous scholar like Walker is a boon for equestrian research and her beautifully illustrated book is an addictive read..."
CuChullaine O'Reilly, The Long Riders' Guild


Selected Publications:
Horse (Reaktion Books, 2008)
To Amaze the People with Pleasure and Delight: The Horsemanship Manuals of William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle (Long Riders’ Guild Press, 2009)
The Horses (Cinnamon, 2010)

Contributed to:
In my World (contributor) (Womenswords, 2002)
Survival Guides (contributor) (EarlyWorks Press, 2007)
In Her Element (contributor) (Honno, 2008)
Women in Science-Fiction and Fantasy (contributor) (Greenwood Press, 2008)
Equus by Charles Hamilton Smith (foreword) (Long Riders’ Guild Press, 2009)

Horse (Reaktion Books, 2008)

From Pegasus to Black Beauty, horses have held a unique place in human society and imagination. With this newest volume in the Animal series, Elaine Walker tackles the long and multifaceted history of a creature valued for both beauty and usefulness.

Galloping from the wild steppes of Mongolia to the American plains, Horse chronicles the rich and complex natural history of the animal, from wild feral horses to the domesticated species that once played a central role in daily life as a means of transportation, an instrument of war, and a source of labour. Elaine Walker charts how the long-standing connection between people and horses is reflected in cultures around the world – and the implications for both human and animal of such close interaction. She also traces the centrality of the horse in art, entertainment and literature, from the rich global traditions of horse-racing and equestrianism to literary classics such as Follyfoot. Ultimately, Walker contends, the continuing role of the horse in the modern world reveals telling changes in human society.
    
A wholly readable and compelling chronicle, Horse is essential for all horse enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the history of this captivating beast.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover