Powsels and Thrums Tales from a Creative Life

A lyrical memoir of essays and poems from the Booker shortlisted author of Treacle Walker—a profound reflection on the creative journey and the influences that have shaped one of Britain’s most beloved writers.

Critics praise Alan Garner, calling him “better than anyone else writing in English today” (The Times, London) and The Guardian describes his world as “unbearably beautiful and dangerous.” His new memoir in essays captures the essence of a lifetime devoted to storytelling—the title a nod to his great-grandfather’s trade of handloom weaving, and the snippets of cloth (“powsels and thrums”) that weavers kept for themselves, to be turned into something bigger than its parts.

Through essays, poetry, and stories, Garner takes readers on a captivating journey, tracing his life from a working-class childhood during World War II to the esteemed halls of Oxford University, returning to the beloved landscapes of Cheshire that fuel his creativity. Along the way, he encounters serendipitous moments such as an unexpected meeting with a renowned mathematician during a long-distance run—each event adding a unique thread to the rich tapestry of his life. Of particular significance is Blackden, a medieval hall nestled beside the giant telescope at Jodrell Bank, which became his home and the backdrop for his Booker-nominated novel, Treacle Walker. Garner explores the influences that have shaped his work, from his grandfather’s craftsmanship to the folklore from the place where his family has lived for generations, reflecting on an extraordinary lifetime of writing.

Charming and revelatory, Powsels and Thrums offers inspiration and insight to readers and writers alike.