Craftland, by James Fox is, in a word GREAT! As its subtitle suggests, it is a journey through Britain's lost arts and vanishing trades. The author traveled the length and breadth of the country, from the Isles of Scilly to the Scottish Highlands to meet the amazing people who are still working in traditional crafts. We find out about the history of the particular craft and the impact it had on society and look to the future. From bellfounders to watchmakers, blacksmiths, cutlers, coopers and more, this is a fascinating look at both the craft and the incredibly skilled people who make a living from them. It is beautifully written and is full of facts without it becoming a chore. The balance between the details of the craft and the human element is perfect. However, it does not show things through rose-tinted glasses - these crafts are often physically challenging and don't always pay much, but the people who are keeping them alive are definitely a breed apart, and the world would be a sadder place without them. The danger of us losing these crafts is very real, and if we do lose them, what does that mean? In this age of throw away plastic goods of questionable quality, this is a look at trades that were essential for hundreds of years to everyone in the country. Who can say that what has replaced them has improved anything? Yes, some of the goods produced may seem expensive, but boy do they last and last and last! This book was recommended to me by a family friend - and I am so pleased she did, what a find! Don't hesitate, just read it.
My STAR rating: FIVE.
Length: 368 print pages.
Price I paid: £4.50.
Formats available: print, unabridged audio download, ebook.
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