The Fields in Winter: Sporting Memories of a Bygone Age

Embark on a nostalgic journey to a disappearing world with Graham Downing's "The Fields in Winter: Sporting Memories of a Bygone Age." This evocative hardcover captures the spirit of rural Britain approximately sixty years ago, a time when the rhythms of life were dictated by the land and its sporting traditions. Downing doesn't just present facts; he masterfully weaves together the firsthand accounts of the last generation of countrymen who lived and breathed fieldsports as a way of life and a livelihood. Imagine yourself transported to the windswept Essex coast, listening to the tales of the lonely punt gunner, battling the elements in pursuit of wildfowl. Journey inland to the Breckland heaths, where the warrener skillfully managed rabbit populations, a vital task for the local economy. Then, ascend to the rugged fells of Cumbria, where the "hobnailed hunter" pursued game with unwavering determination. Downing's book is more than a collection of anecdotes; it's a social history told through the voices of those who lived it. He paints vivid portraits of warreners, wildfowlers, huntsmen, gamekeepers, and harbourers, revealing not only the thrills of the chase but also the hardships and challenges they faced. These weren't mere hobbies; these were demanding professions that required skill, resilience, and an intimate knowledge of the natural world. They are stories of hard work, dedication and an understanding of the natural world that's almost completely lost to us today. The book's charm lies in its ability to immerse the reader in a bygone era. You'll hear the crack of the punt gun, feel the chill of the Fenland mist, and smell the heather on the Scottish Highlands. But Downing doesn't just rely on nostalgia. He cleverly juxtaposes these historical accounts with his own sporting experiences, offering a contemporary perspective on fieldsports. He recounts his own adventures ptarmigan shooting in the Scottish Highlands, punt gunning on the Essex coast and wildfowling in the Cambridgeshire Fens, highlighting the changes that have occurred while underscoring the enduring appeal of these traditional pursuits. "The Fields in Winter" is a beautifully written tribute to a vanishing way of life. It's a book for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the British countryside, the thrill of the hunt, and the stories of those who dedicated their lives to the land. Its a perfect read for the "armchair sportsman" who longs for the romance and excitement of days on hill, field, and marsh, and a valuable historical document for those interested in the social history of rural England. This First Edition Hardcover, published in 1990 by David & Charles, is a rare find and a true collector's item. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of sporting history.