Rebecca Loncraine was a British freelance writer. She held a foundation diploma in Fine Art, a first class undergraduate degree in history, and a doctorate in English Literature from Oxford University. She is the author of The Real Wizard of Oz: The Life and Times of L. Frank Baum published by Gotham Books in 2009. Born in England, she grew up on a hill farm in the Black Mountains of Wales, and it was there she returned after her diagnosis of breast cancer. It is also where - after her recovery - she fell in love with glider flying. Rebecca began writing Skybound in response to her new passion and she was just finishing the new book when, in 2015, she became ill again. Rebecca died at home in Wales in September 2016.
I have never read anything like it . . . painted from a palette of courage, honesty and moments of great beauty -- Jim Crumley Proves that one can soar above the fear of death both literally and in language of unsurpassed beauty . . . the book is about the sheer thrill of being part of the astonishing earth we have in common, written by an extraordinarily sensitive and gifted writer * Harvard Review * A life-affirming memoir * Radio Times * Profound and exquisitely written -- Jay Griffiths, author of <i>Wild: An Elemental Journey</i> This beautiful book transformed the way I see the sky . . . fascinating -- James Macdonald Lockhart, author of <i>Raptor</i> Astonishingly beautiful . . . a record of a life that was lived vividly and thrillingly and intensely . . . brilliant and unique -- Niall Griffiths, author of <i>Grits</i> As thoughtful and insightful as it is courageous and inspiring * Sunday Express * If you're looking for beauty, love and courage, read this book -- Nicholas Crane A valuable contribution . . . if Skybound is a manual for anything, it's for how to find lift on the Earth in the face of uncertainties . . . remarkable -- Mark Vanhoenacker, author of <i>Skyfaring</i> * Spectator * Stunning . . . Skybound is so full of life - a love letter to nature and a hymn of love to the parental bond -- Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of <i>The Last Act of Love</i> and <i>A Manual for Heartache</i> Makes you look at the sky and the land with new eyes . . . extraordinary . . . a celebration of wind and wings * Daily Telegraph * A soaring gift of a book. A moving meditation on landscapes and the leaving of them, the freedom of travelling beyond our fears -- Owen Sheers Profound, euphoric and courageous . . . breathtaking . . . a shimmering parting gift to those still earthbound * Guardian *