By Hook And By Crook

In William Archer's day, corn was reaped in August by hook and by crook - just one stage in the unending cycle of tying and stooking, gleaning and stone-clearing, harrowing and replanting. But there was time too for William to become shin-kicking champion at the Bredon Games, and for a travelling Russian and his dancing bear to give some pig thieves a fright in the night. Fred Archer remembers all these tales from his grandfather, farming during the long reign of Queen Victoria. With the warmth and humour for which he is highly regarded, Fred Archer brings us the true voice from the livelier English peasantry in the Vale of Evesham.