Welcome to Aeon’s archive week. Every so often we like to give the spotlight to a selection of past, outstanding Aeon Essays. This time, we’re celebrating Essays that have led to successful books. Below you’ll find a link to these Essays, as well as an exclusive quote from the author. You’ll also find an exceptional video from our library which has a thematic connection to the work. 

From this Essay, Amy Liptrot went on to have success with her book, The Outrun (2015), which later became a film. 

‘Having my corncrake essay published on Aeon was a huge step for my writing. I remember well the day it went online, when I was living alone on a small island and working on what would be become my first book, and being so happy and encouraged by the responses and comments from readers. One of these readers was a literary agent who emailed me to say he had read the essay and had I ever considered writing a book. I was able to reply and tell him I'd almost finished, send him the manuscript, and go on to work with him for the last decade. Thank you Aeon!’ 

– Amy Liptrot