Victorian Farm

Although I have watched some of the 'experiments in living' style of television programmes, this wasn't one of them. I came to the book having read Victorian accounts of rural life and farming, looking for what the Victorians left out because they took for granted certain knowledge from their contemporaries.I have found it useful in filling in some gaps and giving me a better idea of what Victorian farm communities would and would not have had in terms of equipment, plant varieties etc. It is also nicely set out and bound. For a real 'feel' of Victorian farming, though, I would still recommend 19th Century texts, or ones of local lore by authors such as Ralph Whitlock, because this book is by definition a 21st Century take on the life. I am not entirely sure how useful these programmes are, beyond an introduction for those with a budding interest. It wouldn't, as other reviewers have pointed out, be a handbook for trying such experiments yourself and in the 22nd Century and beyond, will probably say more about our own time and its preoccupation with a rural, idyllic (imagined?) past than it will about the Victorian farmers.That said, this is of some use and the authors are suitably engaging and descriptive. Be warned about the terrible proof-reading, though; there are some appalling errors, such as 'bare witness' and 'pouring over books', and general misuse of apostrophes. For a supposedly instructive/educational read, this does diminish its authority. I'd be interested to know what experts on the subject think about the accuracy of the rest....

I saw the t.v. programme and was enthralled by it. I find the book is very interesting, telling one how previous generations coped. Recipes are given for every day items, such as soap and cleaning materials. Much of the things we use now - at great expense, can easily and cheaply be replicated at home. People really worked and toiled in those days, with little respite, but holidays and festivals were celebrated in style with great imagination. Buy this book in conjunction with The Victorian Pharmacy. Great social history, we are in danger of losing the capability to fend for ourselves, we are far too reliant on manufactured resources,

I ordered the book to complete my set of the "farm" series. It arrived sooner than I had thought it would. I thought it would be used, but it was brand new condition. I am enjoying reading it. Very informative on how life was lived in the past.

If you enjoyed the series you will love the book! It contains further information about their experience on the Farm. It also gives details of some of the projects that they undertook. A well laid out piece of work which would make a great gift for someone interested in this social and historical time. If you have not seen the series this is still a great book that gives you a good taste of that era. Victorian Farm

A very interesting read and a good companion to the television series/DVD. The sort of book that could be put with any Self-Sufficiency books you might have on your shelf as it contains hints and tips that could certainly be applied to 21st century living. Highly recommended.

Well, I'm just going to reiterate what others have already said. The book accompanies the television series, which was thoroughly enjoyable and one of the most interesting programmes I have seen on TV in a long time. Such a refreshing change from much of what we see on the TV nowadays! The book gives a deep and meaningful insight of what life was like and the many trades that were required to survive on a Victorian farm, all accompanied by pictures.

This book like its successor and its TV production are very dear to me. I was not born at the time but, living in rural Ireland, our life was of one of oil lamps, ponies and traps, reapers and binders, no phones and the only running water was what you had yourself had pumped up out of the well. Ruth has, in book and in drame, portrayed a way of life which was somehow innocent and is sadly missed.

good read about old times