A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects

A fascinating book that explores the untold story of rural Britain through its artefacts, revealing a way of life that has been largely forgotten by history. The objects left behind, from farming tools to children's toys, provide insights into birth, death, celebration, work, crime, play, medicine, beliefs, diet, and our relationship with nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating and insightful book that delves into the untold story of rural Britain through its artifacts. Author Charles Spencer's The White Ship offers a delightful and celebratory exploration of nature, history, and the countryside.

For the majority of human history, we were rural dwellers, deeply intertwined with the land, living in harmony with the seasons. Our daily lives revolved around cultivating food, caring for animals, and monitoring the weather. Family, friends, and neighbors were often one and the same, and our communities were centered around the village and its vital spaces, including the church, green, school, and marketplace.

However, rural life has often been overlooked in historical records, overshadowed by the glamour of city life, wars, and royal dramas. The routine of the peasant, farmer, or craftsperson could never compete with the allure of urban adventures. Lives went unrecorded, stories untold.

Yet, there is a way to uncover our rural past, one that surpasses the limitations of written documents. Physical artifacts, imbued with a tangible connection to the past, hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of our rural heritage. From farming tools to children's toys, domestic objects, and peculiar curios, the everyday items of the past offer fascinating insights into an often-forgotten way of life.

These remnants of our past can reveal a wealth of information about birth, death, celebrations, work, crime, play, medicine, beliefs, diet, and our relationship with nature. By studying these artifacts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the lives of our ancestors and the communities they lived in.

This remarkable book spans a wide range of artifacts, from ancient relics to modern-day memorabilia, weaving a rich tapestry from the fragments of our rural past. It serves as a reminder of the value of preserving and celebrating our heritage, and encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of our rural history.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008559427