The Society of Timid Souls: Or, How to be Brave Main Edition

Using her documentarian’s eye, Polly Morland has written a moving and deeply personal book; an examination of courage brimming with humanity ― Amanda Foreman

A dazzling synthesis of reportage, moral philosophy and memoir, Polly Morland’s anatomy of courage moves effortlessly from the bullring and the battlefield to the concert hall and the maternity ward. Searching, startling and richly humane, this is the kind of book that reads you as you read it. A great achievement ― Matthew Sweet

With The Society of Timid Souls, Polly Morland expertly weaves scores of riveting stories, fascinating interviews, and exotic experiences into a ceaselessly engaging investigation of our most-elevated virtue. We witness ordinary humans taking extraordinary action on the battlefields, bullrings, big waves, and even lunch-counters of this life, and at each turn, would-be timid souls summon resolve in the face of unbearable challenges. For journeying into her own self-doubt, for reminding us of our glorious potential, and for assembling a cast of courageous souls to inspire us to reach it, Polly Morland herself deserves a medal — Aron Ralston, author of Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Polly Morland’s voice is warm yet very smart, and she’s collected some cracking good stories — Lionel Shriver

Polly Morland has written a beautiful and extremely moving book about the quintessentially human trait of bravery. A widely recognized concept that almost no one really understands, bravery has long needed a serious exploration like The Society of Timid Souls. It is gorgeously written, deeply felt, and sharply researched. This is one of the few books I know that leaves me literally grateful to the writer for doing the work they do. I loved it. — Sebastian Junger

This fascinating exploration of what it means to be brave – when your natural inclination is to cower, or flee – is a moving testament to mankind’s capacity to face danger in pursuit of a greater good. Those who shudder at the wraiths and hazards on the darkening horizon will draw consolation, and courage, from Polly Morland’s conclusions. — Rowan Pelling

Fascinating … Morland’s philosophical, extremely well-written book suggests that while some people – bullfighters, soldiers, tightrope walkers – are obviously wired to relish dangerous lives, the timid rest of us may be braver than we think. — John Harding ― Daily Mail Published On: 2013-04-19

An eccentric, hugely likeable debut …solid case studies backed up by insightful, sensitively conducted interviews — John O’Connell ― Times Published On: 2013-04-27

A fascinating study … compelling … an appealing and original account of one of the greatest human virtues, full of powerful stories. It leaves you hopeful. — Bee Wilson ― Sunday Times Published On: 2013-05-05

The Society of Timid Souls is well worth reading — William Leith ― Spectator Published On: 2013-05-18

Morland approaches her subject with energy, tenacious curiosity and, however much she may protest that she is lily-livered, courage … She skips lightly where angels fear to tread. Her book has astonishing range … she proves the liveliest company: sane, merry and undeceived … a bracing, moving and uncommon book … It sounds as though the time may have come to reconvene the Society of Timid Souls. — Kate Kellaway ― Observer Published On: 2013-05-19

What makes the book so interesting is that Morland is not remotely mawkish. Her tone is bracing while her book is part self-help guide, part moral philosophy … even the most timid of us, she show, can be helped to overcome our fears — Cressida Connolly ― Mail on Sunday Published On: 2013-06-16

Unexpectedly moving and delightful treatise about different forms of courage — Lucy Mangan ― Stylist Published On: 2013-06-26

The Society of Timid Souls is thought-provoking, insightful and fascinating. — Anna Carey ― Irish Times Published On: 2013-06-29

A series of beautifully written vignettes that function as a meditation on bravery’s lovely shimmer — Kathryn Hughes ― Guardian Published On: 2013-07-13

An ambitious and arresting study … richly-drawn — Brendan Daly ― Sunday Business Post Published On: 2013-08-04

Polly Morland is not afraid to talk to people and she is damn good at it. I want to put this on a billboard. — Maria Tumarkin ― Sydney Morning Herald Published On: 2013-07-13