Award-winning author and creative writing lecturer releases new book The Spirit of Stone
11 June 2026
The Spirit of Stone is the latest publication authored by Falmouth’s Booker-nominated BA(Hons) Creative Writing lecturer Wyl Menmuir, and is a profound meditation on belonging, endurance and our shared human story.
Having been described as “an absolute delight” by James Canton (Renaturing, The Oak Papers) and “full of wonder, hope and fascinating tales of stones and their people” by Fiona Robertson (Stone Lands), The Spirit of Stone is the final instalment of Wyl’s trilogy, following on from The Draw of the Sea and The Heart of the Woods. Where the first two books took readers to the water’s edge and into the forest, Wyl’s latest release takes readers to the landscapes of rock, stone and earth as he contemplates how they continue to define us.
“The publication of this book is a real milestone,” Wyl shared, “It’s the culmination of the trilogy I started eight years ago, when I came up with the idea for The Draw of the Sea.
“These three books have introduced me to some truly fascinating people, and it has been a huge privilege to spend time with so many people who feel a powerful connection to the sea, woodlands and now stone and rock.”
Reflecting on what he wanted to share with readers, Wyl continued: “I hope my books offer readers new ways of looking at the world around them. We need to see the world through others’ eyes more than ever, to be reminded of the beauty and fragility of the place we inhabit and, perhaps above all, our interconnectedness.”
Earlier this spring, Wyl’s work was recognised internationally with The Blue Metropolis Planet Literature Prize in Quebec, Canada. Commending Wyl’s talent for showcasing the beauty and fragility of the natural world, the award celebrates writers who detail nature while also promoting greater ecological awareness through their work. Having visited Montreal to receive his award, Wyl is now one of only three recipients to have been celebrated with the prize, alongside Robert Macfarlane (Is a River Alive?, The Lost Words: A Spell Book) and Peter Wohlleben (The Power of Trees, How Trees Can Save The World).
Speaking of the win, Wyl shared: “This award has been particularly meaningful as it's my first international prize and because this year marks the end of my first decade as a professional writer.”
Wyl now celebrates the publication of The Spirit of Stone with a book tour that sees him visiting local, much-loved bookshops in Cornwall and the north of England after being part of Bath Literature Festival last month.
“I’m so proud of this book,” Wyl said. “It represents several years of research, and the generosity of so many wonderful geologists, sculptors, drystone wall builders, ecologists, stone botherers, miners, historians and more.”
External links
Purchase your copy of The Spirit of Stone, published on 11th June 2026
You might also like
Head of Art and creative team launch giant ‘Cuttle Sticks’ sculpture as part of creative campaign for cleaner seas
Credit: Tove Martens
AIGA and Falmouth University explore the future of design education in new podcast
How creatives from Falmouth are using art to advocate for positive change
Falmouth students collaborate with creative writing lecturer to bring ‘seaworthy’ project to life
