A Countryman's Year

by Alan C. Jenkins, Peter Barrett (Illustrator)

Book by Alan C. Jenkins

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Alan Charles Jenkins was born in 1912 and died in 1996. He contributed to many magazines including Look and Learn and The Boy's Own Paper.

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some respects similar to "Nature Cure" the last book I read. A series of short anecdotes about the author's countryside observations through the year. Much of the focus was about animal life both wild and domesticated. There were also stories about the local inhabitants. The difference was the era when the book was written - the 1960 - 1980s. As well as references to the increased mechanisation of farming the author looks back to his childhood experiences of more traditional methods.

Like Mabey, the author makes several references to the poetry and prose of Gilbert White and John Clare, two historical nature writers who appear to have had a significant influence on both writers. The book is well illustrated with both pictures and many photographs of rural life. A somewhat nostalgic read for me, reminding me of the many farm holidays I enjoyed during my childhood.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of anecdotes, reminiscences, quotes and natural history facts through the seasons, illustrated with paintings and photographs, both contemporary and historical.

It's competently written and produced and is an enjoyable read. However, there are so many of these nature diary books available, and this one doesn't have anything in it to lift it above the average, hence the average rating.