Wise Words and Country Ways

A light-hearted compendium of sayings, aphorisms and traditional wisdom mixing a host of subjects from popular science to gardening, health, cooking and the countryside. Each entry shows how the advice came into popular use and explains the scientific logic behind the saying--in most cases proving it sound. Additional information related to the saying can then lead the reader off in many directions. Covering a wide range of topics from the natural world (interpreting the behavior of plants and animals) to useful household tips, health issues, invaluable gardening tips, food and cooking advice and the sense behind manners and customs, this is a book that can appeal to anyone and everyone. Light in style but with a solid historical and scientific heart, this is a book that will draw readers in and hold them for hours.

Ruth Binney has been interested in the countryside and in traditional wisdom since her Devon childhood, and for more than 35 years has been collecting traditional sayings and remedies, particularly those relevant to gardening, cooking, health and the countryside. From a long and varied career in illustrated non-fiction publishing her many editorial credits include The Origins of Everyday Things, Hints and Tips from Times Past, The Countryside Detective, The Skywatcher?s Handbook and Science Explained. She has a degree from Cambridge University in Natural Sciences and lives in rural Dorset.