Men and the Fields

Adrian Bell's Men and the Fields explores rural life in East Anglia, capturing the essence of a changing landscape before modern agriculture reshaped it.

In Men and the Fields, Adrian Bell takes readers on a journey through East Anglia and lowland Britain, vividly portraying the essence of the countryside before the sweeping changes brought about by modern agriculture. Published in 1939, just before the onset of the Second World War, this work offers a nostalgic glimpse into a world on the brink of transformation. Bell's engaging narrative is deeply rooted in his own experiences as a farmer, allowing him to provide authentic insights into rural life.

The book captures a diverse array of rural scenes, from the delicate beauty of hedgerow flowers to the bustling atmosphere of livestock auctions. Bell paints a picture of traditional farm life, featuring the village forge, the wheelwright's shop, and the labor of ploughmen, shepherds, and woodmen. Each vignette reflects the character of a way of life that was soon to be irrevocably altered by mechanization and modern farming practices.

This new edition of Men and the Fields not only restores the original text but also includes the enchanting colour lithographs and black-and-white line drawings by John Nash that graced the first edition. These illustrations complement Bell's prose, enriching the reader's experience and preserving the charm of a bygone era in rural Britain.