Rural England
Being an Account of Agricultural and Social Researches Carried Out in the Years 1901 and 1902

This 1901–1902 survey of the state of English agriculture was influential, suggesting many reforms which were subsequently implemented.

H. Rider Haggard (Author)

9781108025485, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

700 pages, 32 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.9 cm, 0.88 kg

H. Rider Haggard (1856–1925) is best known as the successful writer of adventure stories with exotic backgrounds such as King Solomon's Mines and She. However, he also served on a number of royal commissions, and in managing his wife's Norfolk estate became a recognised expert on agricultural matters. Rural England, published in 1902 and reissued in 1906, was the product of his travels around England and Wales writing articles for the Daily Express. They show a picture of agriculture in poor condition, and suggest reforms which would improve matters. The book was well received, and subsequently many of his suggestions were included in the Development Act of 1909. He favoured co-operative societies such as were found in Denmark, an increase in the number of smallholdings, and a national forestry commission. Volume 1 discusses conditions in a large part of the south and west of England, and the Channel Islands.

Preface to new edition
Introduction
1. Wiltshire
2. Hampshire
3. Guernsey
4. Jersey
5. Sussex
6. Kent
7. Devonshire
8. Cornwall
9. Somerset
10. Dorsetshire
11. Herefordshire
12. Worcestershire
13. Gloucestershire
14. Warwickshire
15. Shropshire
16. Essex
17. Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB]