Cottage Economy
William Cobbett
Read by Philippa
How can you tell when your pig is fat enough? Why should you never buy mustard? What's wrong with eating potatoes? Which is better, beer or tea? And what type of straw makes the best bonnets? William Cobbett is the man to ask. Here is his book of practical advice to the rural labouring 'cottager' (first published as a part-work in 1821-22), the precursor in many ways to the handbooks on self-sufficiency that today entice so many city-dwellers.
A champion of the rural working class at a time of huge social and industrial change, a radical politician and a prolific writer, Cobbett is opinionated, passionate and enlightening, making 'Cottage Economy' a fascinating and entertaining window on daily life for the smallholders of his day, and still inspirational, almost 200 years later, to those who seek 'a good living' as the foundation of happiness. (Introduction by Philippa)
The figures referred to in the section on ice houses can be viewed here (5 hr 50 min)
Chapters
| 01 - No. 1: Introduction; Brewing Beer | 41:53 | Read by Philippa |
| 02 - No. 2: Brewing Beer (continued) | 40:23 | Read by Philippa |
| 03 - No. 3: Making Bread | 40:42 | Read by Philippa |
| 04 - No. 4: Making Bread (continued); Brewing Beer; Keeping Cows | 34:11 | Read by Philippa |
| 05 - No. 5: Keeping Cows (continued); Keeping Pigs | 31:00 | Read by Philippa |
| 06 - No. 6: Keeping Pigs (continued); Salting Mutton and Beef | 29:44 | Read by Philippa |
| 07 - No. 7, part 1: Bees; Geese; Ducks; Turkeys; Fowls; Pigeons | 29:23 | Read by Philippa |
| 08 - No. 7, part 2: Rabbits; Goats and Ewes; Candles and Rushes; Mustard; Dress… | 24:55 | Read by Philippa |
| 09 - No. 8, part 1: English Straw Plat; Postscript on Brewing | 48:59 | Read by Philippa |
| 10 - No. 8, part 2: Ice Houses | 14:45 | Read by Philippa |
| 11 - Addition: Mangel Wurzel; Cobbett's Corn | 14:36 | Read by Philippa |
Reviews
It's well worth the listen
Joshua Jackson
not only is it a very interesting book, especially for someone fascinated by history, but the reader is the absolute best. It includes a hilarious anti-tea/pro-beer rant that I'd never expected to hear from a British. But by far the best part of this is the reader. She's an amazing reader, I recommend her other audio books as well. Especially her reading of Rudyard Kipling's "The Man Who Would Be King."
Quirky!
Phxjennifer
This book, written early in the 19th century, is full of useful information about rural living. He is passionate about teaching people how to be independent and able to provide for themselves. He's also pretty cranky about the predatory new mill owners in the north, the sleek and starveling Methodists who turn up at dinner time, and the new fad for 'educating' the working classes!
BEST NARRATOR, GREAT BOOK FOR SLEEP
Robin
Absolute best narrator in any book I have listened to in non-fiction. ASMR quality, definitely good to fall asleep to...but the book is very interesting and engaging. I looked forward to each night when I put it on!
Thanks again and again...
Efraim Feldman
Refreshing and informative.