It details the life of Edward Thomas, a seminal poet in the history of British literature known for his work exploring the notions of disconnection and unsettledness.

His work, Hollis recounts, conveyed his deep sense of wandering insecurity and lack of connection, particularly using his emotional reflections based on nature.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the British army, Thomas sought out action in 1917, and he died from the shock-wave of a passing shell just about ten weeks after arriving on the Western Front.

Travel writer Robert Macfarlane summed up the book for The Guardian by writing, "An impressive new view of Edward Thomas helps us to understand how much more there is to the poet than willow-herb and meadowsweet".

"[1] The Independent published praise from writer Sean O'Brian; Brian remarked, "In this extremely readable critical-biographical study, place and landscape have an importance equal to poetry.

[6] Pure narrowly won out, the judging panel having been locked in a "fierce debate and quite bitter dissent" and eventually using a vote to decide on the winner.