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Woodston

The Biography of An English Farm – The Sunday Times Bestseller

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Woodston

By: John Lewis-Stempel
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

In the beginning was the earth...

From the Paleozoic volcanoes that stained its soil, to the Saxons who occupied it, to the Tudors who traded its wool, to the Land Girls of wartime, John Lewis-Stempel charts a sweeping, lyrical history of Woodston: the quintessential English farm.

With his combined skills of farmer and historian, Lewis-Stempel digs deep into written records, the memories of relatives, and the landscape itself to celebrate the farmland his family have been bound to for millennia. Through Woodston's life, we feel the joyful arrival of oxen ploughing; we see pigs rootling in the medieval apple orchard; and take in the sharp, drowsy fragrance of hops on Edwardian air. He draws upon his wealth of historical knowledge and his innate sense of place to create a passionate, fascinating biography of farming in England.

Woodston not only reminds us of the rural riches buried beneath our feet but of our shared roots that tie us to the land.

© John Lewis-Stempel 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 Agricultural & Food Sciences Animals Biological Sciences Outdoors & Nature Personal Development Science Sustainable & Green Living Western Europe

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Critic reviews

Lewis-Stempel's greatest gift remains his prose, with all its vividness and energy. His aim in Woodston was to 'fashion a memorial in print' to his grandparents and 'all the yeomen farmers of England, past, present and future'.
The English countryside is 'a work of human art, done by the many and the nameless' and he wanted to celebrate it. He has succeeded admirably
Lewis-Stempel is one of our finest nature writers ... He writes with delicate observation and authority, giving us in Woodston a book teeming with fascinating details, anecdotes and penetrating insights into the real cost of our denatured countryside. (Christopher Hart)
One of Britain's finest nature writers...Lewis-Stempel maps an intriguing journey through his ancestral farmland.
Hardback Book of the Month: John Lewis-Stempel has ... an eye for vivid detail who creates evocative images as he shares his knowledge and love of the countryside.
From a master of storytelling... Other writers have written about the history of agriculture ... but this writer is the master, because his book is not just a scholarly treatise. It is about the history of agriculture, yes, but it is a personal account, written with a great love of the subject. It is the 'biography' of a farm and the English landscape, written through the eyes of a man who is a true wordsmith, knowledgeable on his subject and lover of the natural world. It is these enthusiasms which make it so readable ... [Lewis-Stempel is] a writer who is without equal in his field. (David Hill)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of interesting facts on farming and land use. From a farming family it brought back lots of interesting facts my dad had told me of a bygone time.
I’ve found all the authors books to be a superb read.

Old memories

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Beautifully read, fascinating in its details. I appreciated the blend of lightly worn scholarship with practical experience. The epic history of a place and evolution of a way of life is a story of productive and destructive progress.

There are some incorrect statements. Christianity did not immediately bring an end to slavery. That needed the Norman conquest centuries later. On the other hand there are details that spring from profound knowledge, such as his revelation comparing a photograph with a tractor.

Every MP should read this and every good buyer in grocery chains and everyone interested in life.

Thoughtful eulogy

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Another beautifully crafted book, this time blending the historical, factual and personal experiences of Woodston farm. Again, I had to remind myself that Leighton Pugh is not John Lewis-Stemple, a rare occurrence in an audio book. Any fan of Lewis-Stemple will appreciate this insightful account.

Another winning combination

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John Lewis-Stempel has long been one of the foremost authors the deal sympathetically with the countryside. In this book John looks at the history of farming and of course the history of farmers. Probably his best work certainly vying with "The Wood", he covers history, natural history, biology, horticulture arboriculture and that which makes us human.

A magnificent read.

Possibly THE best book on farming, ever

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This was a delightful piece of writing, taking you on a journey of time on English farm. The narration was very good, fitting the book perfectly. it is also food for thought into the future of farming.

Recommended

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