This is an auction for THE DIARY OF A VILLAGE SHOPKEEPER by Thomas Turner.

This is a Folio Society hardback in new condition, in its original slip case.

Edited by David Vaisey.

Illusrated by Miriam Macgregor.

Amazon.com review:

"This diary covers the years 1754-1765, with an entry for almost each day. It provides a vivid look at what village life during that period. Thomas Turner was the proprietor of what we would call a general store. He provides a record of business transactions, village events, and musings on his personal life. He was married to Peggy, with whom he had difficulties off and on throughout the marriage. Towards the end, she became ill and, ultimately died. His sorrow was reflected in this diary for the rest of his entries. Marriage back then was not based on love, but on the hopes of obtaining a partner who would help the couple survive in an unfriendly world. What becomes apparent soon on is that death was a constant companion to these people. Not a week went by without the death of a neighbour or of a young child. In spite of his hard life, Turner kept up with current events and educated himself as much as possible. This is not a great work of literature, but a fine way to get in touch with the eighteenth century in rural England. Recommended."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Thomas Turner (1729-1793) was a hard-working and ingenious village shopkeeper in Sussex. In the eleven years of his diary, he recorded the minutiae of everyday village life in pre-industrial England. This edition contains about a third of the massive whole of the diary, but allows Turner to take his rightful place alongside Pepys and Evelyn as an indispensable English diarist.

Folio Society hardback 1998.

443 pages.

New condition.

The cost of shipping is $6.95. If you are on rural delivery the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.