‘It is the mark of a good writer that they can communicate their own fascination, and maybe even spread it, and this debut book marks her out as a writer worth following.’ Books from Scotland

The gorgeous debut book from Esther Rutter, This Golden Fleece is a charming odyssey through the British Isles, unearthing the nation’s captivating history through its most enduring thread: wool.

Esther Rutter had a unique childhood. Raised on a sheep farm in Suffolk, she learned to knit, weave and spin wool from an early age – skills which became her most beloved pastimes. Yet Esther knew the story of wool stretched far beyond her personal experience, linking thousands of years of British life, industry and identity.

In This Golden Fleece, Esther’s unwavering fascination with this humble material takes her on an enchanting journey across the British landscape, as she unveils exactly how wool has shaped the island’s people, economy and imagination. From Fair Isle, Yorkshire, the Cotswolds and beyond, she explores the forgotten traditions, trade secrets and steadfast communities all shaped by this unique fibre. With warmth and curiosity, Esther cleverly gathers the threads that connect us to the past and each other, detailing the why, how and who behind this ancient craft. Rich in spirit and beautifully told, This Golden Fleece is a joyful celebration of resilience, heritage and creativity.

Esther Rutter is a non-fiction writer based in Fife. After completing an English degree at the University of Oxford, she worked at the Wordsworth Trust, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and UNESCO City of Literature Trust. Esther is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews and frequently writes for publications such as Vogue, Granta Magazine, Countryfile and more. She is the author of two books: This Golden Fleece (2019) and All Before Me (2024).