An Anthology of the Home Counties by J. D. Mortimer; Introduction By John Betjeman - 1947

London: Methuen, 1947. Binding is green cloth with gilt lettering on spine; mild bumps to corners and slight speckling to page edges. Dj is lightly soiled, with some wear to its top edge and short tears to either side of top of spine; price-clipped. Now protected inside a cover. In this volume the author has brought together a wide selection of prose and verse pieces from various centuries to illustrate the lives of the people in the counties round London. Extracts giving the background of English scenery - forest, downland and river - lead naturally to a study of the churches and palaces, homes and gardens they have made and of the agriculture, markets and fairs by which they have earned their livelihood. Their social life and wide sporting interests are amply described. More intimately, their songs and customs are given, along with the history that surrounds their great and humble folk - even to their simple and humorous epitaphs. Throughout the volume the background of country town and village is amply sketched to delight the lover of topography. Includes black and white photographs.. First. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good. Anthology.