TALES OF THE OLD COUNTRYWOMEN. By Brian P. Martin.

1997 1st edition. 4to (199 x 268mm). Pp192. Colour illustrations by Graeme Puckett, b/w photographs. Green boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

This book "brings together the fascinating tales of a broad range of women; from the independent spirit of the herdswoman or shepherdess, through the supportive loyalty of the wife of a gamekeeper or farmer, to the more comfortable lifestyle of high-born ladies with an entourage of servants. Single or married, rich or poor, all are united by a love of nature, a sense of community and a determination to succeed. While some have followed exacting careers, in agriculture and a wide variety of other rural professions, others have led equally interesting lives as country wives, the 'woman behind the man', responsible for running his life while he ran his business. All country life can be found here: tales of caring for wild animals, stories of church and social activities, the Women's Institute, the Mother's Union and the parish council. Also to be found are reminiscences of growing up with the innocence of a country childhood, village shows and markets, folklore and superstition, leisure pursuits ranging from card games by lantern-light and darts in the village pub to the thrills of hunting, shooting and fishing. In addition to all this, the author has gathered a selection of traditional country recipes from the ladies who are the fascinating subjects of this book."