I loved the unashamed enthusiasm of this statement, Rebanks having dedicated his life to preserving both this rare, tough breed of sheep, and the way of life that goes with it.  Also the novel idea (to me), of a breed as a cultural object.

The breed is Herdwick and you might enjoy other original and thoughtful samples of Rebanks’ lively writing: see the quote-packed review of his book.

‘But because sheep are cultural objects, almost like art, I’m looking for style and character as well, and finer breed points, like how white their ears are.’  

You will never underestimate sheep again.

Source: James Rebanks, The Shepherd’s Life (London: Allen Lane, 2015), p. 170

Photo credit: Herrcut at pixabay