‘A charming trayful of historical canapés, always and repeatedly surprising. Sally Coulthard is able to conjure a wonderful sense of intimacy with the lives of the past.’ Adam Nicolson

'An unusual and ingenious collection of objects, each unexpected and always fascinating. Very enjoyable.' Christopher Hadley

'Beautifully illustrates the challenges people faced and the ingenuity and humour they used to overcome them. Relaxed and conversational, I couldn't put it down.' Francis Pryor

'Exquisitely detailed and informative. A heady joy that I am delighted to recommend.' John Wright

‘Explores how the artefacts peasants, farmers and craftspeople left behind, from toys to tools, provide a connection with our rural forebears.’ CPRE

'Informative and illuminating. A portable museum of a book that I will return to again and again.' Ruth Allen

'Terrific. Authoritative but very readable.' Alex Johnson

'Terrific. A tasty box of treats I dipped into a few times every day.' Jim Leary

''Coulthard explores our rural past through a gathered assemblage of wonderful and intriguing objects.' Rose Ferraby

'Brilliantly off-kilter … Lyrically, succinctly and wittily told, the cascade of object stories creates an ebb and flow of enduring connections to people and land riven with currents of change and danger.’ British Museum magazine

'Truly a wonderful book … definitely on my Christmas present list.' Time Team Book of the Month

'You'll find it very difficult to put down!' Countryside Magazine Book of the Month

'Coulthard’s books are both well-loved and wide-ranging. … Eminently readable.' Yorkshire Life

'A literary treasure chest.' The Arts Society Magazine