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ABOUT THIS BOOK

PUBLISHER: Saraband

ISBN: 9781916812628

RRP: £8.99

PAGES: 144

PUBLICATION DATE:
January 15, 2026

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In Search of Gems

By Kenneth Steven

An evocative journey through geology and landscape, seen through the eyes of one of Scotland’s most beloved poets and storytellers.

Blending lyrical prose with personal reflection, Kenneth Steven explores mountains, glens and shores in search of gemstones and crystals. He recounts his delight at discoveries of gold glinting in Highland burns, freshwater pearls embedded in mussel shells, and aquamarines, garnets, amber and agates hidden in the wild places where others rarely roam.

Beguiled by their forms, colours, and sometimes glittering bril- liance, he finds the thrill of unearthing riches more precious even than the gems themselves. Stone by stone, he considers the origins and allure of these natural treasures, revealing not only their geo- logical stories but their place in history and imagination. Steven’s deep connection to the land shines through as he interprets the meaning and magic, inviting readers to see both the landscape and its hidden gems with fresh wonder.

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Kenneth Steven

Kenneth Steven is a successful poet, novelist, children’s writer and broadcaster who has published some 25 books. His BBC Radio 4 documentary on the island of St Kilda won him a Sony Award. His novel The Well of the North Wind (SPCK, 2016) was a spiritual tale set on 6th-century Iona, whilst 2020 (Saraband, 2017) was longlisted for the Portico Prize. In non-fiction, Beneath the Ice (Saraband, 2016) tells the story of the Arctic Sami people. He is also the author of a companion essay collection in the In the Moment series, Atoms of Delight (2024)