Curious Observations: A Country Miscellany

by Country Life Magazine

'Not a cosy series of reminiscences but a slice of bygone reality. This delightful collection of country curiosities shows rural life in the raw a hundred or more years ago. Hugely enjoyable, a real eye-opener and surprisingly useful!' Alan Titchmarsh

A perfectly formed and beautifully presented collection of titbits from the ever-surprising pages of Country Life. Flitting from observations on cheese rolling in Gloucestershire to smuggling silk in Sussex, from Shakespeare's Avon to the vanishing sign language of country tramps ... and all by way of a charming rumination on the origins of the simnel cake. Within these lovely pages there will indeed be something for everyone. Classic writing on the idyllic British countryside, Wodehousian ruminations on fishing and golf, and moving accounts of beloved (and unusual) pets. With a highly entertaining blend of expert views and humorous asides, Curious Observationsis a perfect Christmas gift.

Genres: History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 8, 2011

About the author

The iconic British glossy magazine, Country Life was first published on 8 January 1897 as Country Life Illustrated. A ‘journal for all interested in country life and country pursuits,’ it was the brainchild of London printer Edward Hudson (1854-1936).

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little book with lots of bringing together folklore & observations about plants, planting and gardens. I think there will be some useful guidance on what grows, and what doesn't grow, with what. A pleasure to read in a quiet moment, and then think about putting into practice; I may well revisit it over the years.

[Sevelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming compendium of cranky, elegiac, and esoteric observations and comments on English life spanning several decades. Runs the gamut of nature to obscure rites and rituals, traditions and practices, and heavy handed pedantry. Lovely bedside read. Doesn’t disappoint.

[Lila · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of a series that includes Glories of the Garden, Gentlemen's Pursuits, and Letters to the Editor, this one is on oddities and is illustrated with drawings and photographs dating from the turn of the century to the 1940s. Topics include country life and wartime adjustments.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a tad too miscellaneous for my taste, but I did enjoy how curious the observations were.