Reading group: Ignition

In session seven, the Religion and Ecology reading group will discuss Maura R. O'Connor's Ignition: Lighting fires in a burning world (Bold Type Books, 2023).

A compelling investigation that traces the diverse actors involved in firefighting - and starting - in North America, calling attention to histories, scientific research, stories, and practices that challenge the central tenets of the conservation movement, but that may be crucial to restoring ecological health to our forests. O’Connor invites us to reconsider our relationship to risk and how it enables - or prevents - constructive action in the face of ongoing climate change.

Our discussion may also refer to The Beauty of Scorched Earth video: a conversation between Ignition author Maura O'Connor and writer Dougald Hine available from dougald.substack.com. 

Accessing the reading

Hardback and e-book editions are available to purchase (prices vary; GBP23.46 for hardback on Amazon, RRP $30 hardcover). The opening passages may be sampled for free via most eReaders. 

View Ignition on the publisher’s website for further information (www.hachettebookgroup.com)

Joining the discussion

We will meet online. All are welcome.

If this is your first session, please contact Dr Anastasia Badder for Zoom details (via Divinity.cam.ac.uk).

 

 

Feature image: Lick Fire on the Umatilla National Forest burning at night. (2021) Taken by Brendan O'Reilly and shared on Flickr (declared public domain).