The Village News: The Truth Behind England’s Rural Idyll

'An entertaining book, written with Fort's characteristic conversational style... A real pleasure to read.' * BBC Countryfile * 'Charming...Mr Fort doesn't only focus on the visually delightful in village life, he tells it as it is - without any firm conclusion, possibly, but with cordiality and wit.' * Country Life * 'A witty, charming and informative book... full of shrewd insights peppered with nostalgia and humour.' * Countryside magazine * 'The headline news is that village life is still alive and well and it is great fun looking for it.' * Best of British * 'A chatty and often amusing summary of his enquiries into twenty-odd English villages... Warm and thoughtful.' * The Oldie * 'A wide-ranging, intelligent and bracingly enjoyable book.' * The Literary Review * 'Timely, myth-busting march through English rural history... this pedal around the parishes is an entertaining and provocative read on a subject close to every English heart.' * The Spectator * 'Meticulously researched and seasoned with wry humour, this is a perceptive and richly rewarding read.' * Mail on Sunday * 'Tom Fort is one of those delightfully curious sorts of fellow who writes delightfully curious sorts of books about delightfully curious sorts of things... He is - as he admits - no expert, but he certainly has lots of good ideas. The Village News may be a light read but someone in Whitehall should really take it seriously.' * Guardian * 'A thoughtful, clear-sighted history of the English village told through twenty-one case studies, each of which has its particular character...a passionate cry to spare our countryside from the fate of Oliver Goldsmith's "Deserted Village".' * Times Literary Supplement * 'Unashamedly nostalgic but perceptive...simply wonderful.' * Cotswold Life * 'This book explores the whole notion of the village... Warm and affectionate, but frank and honest too.' * Country Walking *