Lifescapes
The Experience of Landscape in Britain, 1870–1960

A compelling study of the influences that shape our responses to landscape, through eight modern British lives.

Jeremy Burchardt (Author)

9781009199872, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 May 2023

518 pages
23.6 x 16.1 x 3.3 cm, 0.89 kg

'Jeremy Burchardt's examination of how eight ordinary people experienced rural England in the first half of the twentieth century makes an essential contribution to the history of embodiment and 'lived experience' … an exceptionally enriching work of historical research and a deeply affecting act of care.' Matthew Kelly, Journal of Modern History

Why does landscape matter to us? We rarely articulate the often highly individual ways it can do so. Drawing on eight remarkable unpublished diaries, Jeremy Burchardt demonstrates that responses to landscape in modern Britain were powerfully affected by personal circumstances, especially those experienced in childhood and youth. Four major patterns are identified: 'Adherers' valued landscape for its continuity, 'Withdrawers' for the refuge it provides from perceived threats, 'Restorers' for its sustaining of core value systems, and 'Explorers' for its opportunities for self-discovery and development. Lifescapes sets out a new approach to landscape history based on comparative biography and deep contextualization, which has far-reaching implications. It foregrounds family structures and relationships and the psychological dynamics they generate. These, it is argued, were usually a more decisive presence in landscape encounters than wider cultural patterns and forces. Seen in this way, landscape can be understood as a mirror reflecting our innermost selves and the psychosocial influences shaping our development. This is a compelling and original study of the relationship between individual lives and landscapes.

Preface
Introduction
1. Diaries, life writing and popular ruralism
Adherers
2. Beatrix Cresswell: Exeter antiquarian
3. William Henry Hallam: Swindon turner
Withdrawers
4. Katherine Spear Smith: Hampshire artist
5. Violet Dickinson: itinerant craftswoman
Restorers
6. Dr John Johnston: Bolton doctor
7. Bert Bissell: Dudley probation officer
Explorers
8. Sadie Barmes: London clerk
9. Fred Catley: Bristol bookseller
Conclusion: towards a deep history of landscape
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Population & demography [JHBD], Social & cultural history [HBTB], British & Irish history [HBJD1], History [HB]