Subject
Agriculture -- England -- History Books
Best books
W. H. R. (William Henry Ricketts) Curtler
A Short History of English Agriculture
"A Short History of English Agriculture" by W. H. R. Curtler is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the development and evolution of agricultural practices in England from ancient times through the late 19th century. It emphasizes the impact of various historical events, societal changes, and technological advancements on the agricultural landscape. The opening of the work sets the stage for an exploration of the roots of English agriculture, highlighting the communal farming practices of early settlers in Britain and the growth of the manorial system. The text describes how land distribution occurred among groups rather than individuals, introducing the complexities of agrarian life, the communal use of land, and the eventual evolution toward individual property ownership. The author provides a glimpse into the operations of early English agriculture and the social structures that shaped it, laying a foundation for the detailed exploration to come in subsequent chapters.
Harriett Bradley Fitt
The Enclosures in England: An Economic Reconstruction
"The Enclosures in England: An Economic Reconstruction" by Harriett Bradley Fitt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work examines the enclosure movement in England, which transformed land use from common farming practices to privately owned enclosed fields, significantly impacting the agricultural landscape and social structure of the time. The book seeks to provide a critical analysis of prevailing theories regarding the motivations for this movement, specifically challenging the notion that it was primarily driven by economic gains from wool prices. The opening of the text outlines the traditional understanding of the enclosure movement, which has often centered on rising wool prices and the desire for greater profit. Fitt critiques this perspective, pointing out that the price of wool actually fell during the critical periods of transition. Instead, she argues that the decline in productivity of common-field land due to centuries of cultivation and inadequate agricultural practices drove the shift towards grazing systems. The author plans to analyze contemporary evidence to construct a more nuanced narrative of the enclosure movement, suggesting that the loss of soil fertility was a significant factor in the movement, thereby reshaping the reader's understanding of this pivotal period in English economic history.
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