Description:
Following his Undiscovered France and London Rediscovered, photographer Richard Turpin has produced yet another stimulating feast for the eyes. His wide-ranging images of sedate English village life are grouped thematically, through picturesque churches and greens, and tranquil waterside and solemn industrial locations. Today's surviving beauty and variety are shown to be the result of layers of custom and changing circumstance, while local character is evoked by the surrounding countryside and choice of building materials. He reveals both the beauty and the hardship that were inherent aspects of village life and leaves you with the keen sense that even now, coastal life can be dangerous! Roger Hunt's accompanying text simultaneously provides a sympathetic and very readable account of the evolution of the village as part of English history. He explains the profound effects of the inexorable Black Death and Industrial Revolution as well as reveals fascinating local legends and events. Widecombe-in-the-Moor's church, for instance, was struck by lightning, which was explained at the time as the devil tethering his horse to its pinnacle. Finally, the map, list of villages by county, and comprehensive index all contribute to the overall enjoyment of the book and inspire you to go out and find these gems of old England for yourself. --Fiona Murphy
| 
