Country Matters

by Clare Leighton (Illustrator), Kate Adie (Introduction)

Acclaimed writer and engraver Clare Leighton takes on a series of country subjects. With senses well attuned to her part of Southern England in the Chiltern Hills, Leighton gently explores rural culture and landscapes with affectionate pen-portraits and her wonderful, bold engravings of people at work in the countryside.

Genres: Art

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1937

Reviews

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Alison Uttley ever had a runner-up for writing gorgeous stuff about old country times and ways - Clare Leighton is IT. For me, there's no higher praise. And her illustrations?!! I only wish I had the money to be an art collector. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Her chapter titles run as follows:

Tramps
The Village Smithy
The Village Witch
Picking Primroses
The Village Fair
Chair Bodgers
The Flower Show
The Cricket Match
Harvest Festival
The Horse Show
the Ploughing Match
The Pub
Felling Trees
Bell-Ringers


Each chapter is it's own story - some written in the author's voice, but most from varying characters, which is delightful. The chapter on the village fair was magical - and reminded of the atmosphere of (this is odd) Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine/Something Wicked This Way Comes" without the foreboding of evil. Also, I am always happy to hear about a village blacksmith, for me it's the height of all old country crafts. And something new to me - chair bodgers! A lovely chapter on that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP5_O...
The Flower Show chapter brought a person to mind that I had long forgotten - she brought 1st prize home every year for her vegetables. I remember the ribbons lining her walls. I could say so much more, but really, for anyone interested in old country ways, or in engravings - this book is a must-read. Highly recommended!






Many thanks to Mumzie for pointing C.L. out to me.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brent scoured the internet for an old copy of this book because he knew I love Clare Leighton’s wood engravings—particularly one with a woman carrying flowers and a basket of vegetables. As far as I could find, that engraving is only available in this book and that is why Brent gifted it to me on Mother’s Day! I had no idea what the actual book was about and was pleasantly surprised to find that it is stories from an English village. Just the sort of thing I love! Certain stories I definitely enjoyed more than others, but it was filled with more of her great art!

[Paul Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative with beautiful engravings.