Author: Jon Dathen
Year: 2006
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 122
Price new: £8.95 (Amazon)*
*accurate at the time of posting
Description: (TLDR)
Lots of amusing and sometimes hard to believe stories relating to orchards, apples and cider in Somerset
On the back of the book it says:
"In the western counties of England, and in Somerset in particular, cider was, and for many still is, an integral part of the rural way of life. Over the centuries, folklore and customs have become entwined with the growing of apple, trees, the harvesting of fruit, and the production and consumption of cider. Some of these beliefs and practises are practical, a method of fermentation or a saying recording the best time to plant a tree. Others belong to the realm of magic and pagan belief, these include the propitiation of orchard spirits, ceremonies to ensure a robust harvest, and the many little 'somethings', done 'just for luck'. A richly absorbing apple anthology, superbly researched and altogether different form what the reader might expect. Here is preserved the history and all the fun and seriousness of the folklore and customs connected to cider - from wassailing to apple games and Toad Swimming, its makers and drinkers, throughout the county of Somerset, in the past and the eternal present"
No comments:
Post a Comment