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)

9781108025492, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 January 2011

684 pages, 24 b/w illus.
21.6 x 3.8 x 14 cm, 0.86 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 2 examines the east of England and parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire.

18. Cambridgeshire
19. Huntingdonshire
20. Oxfordshire
21. Northamptonshire
22. Lincolnshire
23. Leicestershire, Rutland, and Nottingham
24. Yorkshire
25. Suffolk
26. Norfolk
27. Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB]