Lifting the Latch: A Life on the Land - Based on the Life of Mont Abbott of Enstone, Oxfordshire

This is an amazing book, the true story of a 'clathopper' (land worker) born near the start of the 20th century. Not only does it tell his own story, which is fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking without ever being mawkish or self-regarding; but it also tells of the changes in methods of agriculture and shepherding over the last century. This last is a valuable historic record, and may yet have some instructional value for today's farmers. I found it impossible to put down, and it lingers in the memory - definitely one to be re-read at a later date.

This is the most beautiful book I have read for years. I haven't been able to stop talking about it and recommending it to others. Mont Abbott was such an inspirational man. He had so few material possessions and he suffered some severe blows in his life and yet he just kept on going with his pride, dignity, decency and sense of humour intact. Anyone who reads this will feel they knew the man personally or certainly wish that they had and will feel a great sense of loss that he is no longer alive. He himself felt he had had a life of riches and, compared with the lives so many of us lead these days, I think he was probably right.

Perfect condition. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But it is all about the area where I live so bonus. Thank you

An absolutely fascinating story of 'Old Mont' and rural life from before WW1. A real tale of the land, told with warts and all. I just love that way it's written in his own language. This is of interest to every historian who wants to learn more about how life actually was at the time. It tells of good times and bad and how 'Old Mont' coped. I love his philosophy - 'us got over it'. How many people these days would take that view? A real gem of a book!

I read an obituary for Shelia Stewart, which inspired me to order the book. It is a unusual insight into the life of Mont a farm labourer born at the turn of the 20th century who recollects his life to Shelia who transcribes it into a entertaining book. Mont's depression following the death of his fiancé and how he find solace trough saving a little puppy is beautifully told and the vision of this 'circus dog' riding on the back of one of his shire horses is beautiful. A special biography

The interest in the story lies, for me, in its factual base. It is the story of a man who lived worked and died in the small community north of Oxford. Not only is it an account of the social history of the time but the events that happen in this individual's life are almost unbearable and yet he still manages to carry on as if they are his 'lot in life' and that life must go on. I was moved and at times shocked by this man's life story. I really enjoyed it and went straight on to read the Ramlin Rose canal story. Well done to Sheila Stewart for offering some insight into the lives of these 'ordinary' people woven into a story and in this case based on hours of factual interviews.

An absolute treasure of a book telling life exactly as it was on the farm in times gone by. No punches are pulled - it tells it as it was, warts and all.Very valuable as a resource if researching farming life with the information coming directly from a lovable character who lived life to the full and never short changed anyone in the work that he carried out despite being taken advantage of by his employers.

I read a very poignant chapter from this book in an anthology which made me buy the book, however I didn't realise that for authenticity the author had written in in the man's normal speak pattern which was the Oxford dialect. She put a glossary in the back of the book, but that spoilt the flow. I didn't really read the book, just dipped into it.

This was awesome ! very informative of one persons Whole working life. Well written ,

This book was recommended in a guidebook to the English Cotswolds, but I don't think you have to visit this lovely area to appreciate the hardscrabble but rich and meaningful life of Monty Abbott depicted here in his unique vernacular. If you're looking for an example of selfless responsibility to family, friends, and neighbors, this will do. Monty observes wittily but without jealousy the lives of the upscale "nobs" in his home grounds. Monty never married but the story of his courtship to his one true love leaves no doubt about his capacity for loving or for his courage in accepting its sometimes deep pain. Lifting the latch refers to the local open-door policy of homes, pubs, and places of official business, although Monty lived long enough to see this change to locked doors. Monty's life of carting, horse management, and sheep grazing gives way to motor vehicles and eventual retirement. His life on the land in late 19th, early 20th century England was restricted, hard, and hungry, but he made of it more than what we often see of modern, comfortable life today.

A wonderfully written, humbling book that vividly brings to life the experiences of Old Monts and rural life in Oxfordshire in the early 20th century. It lovingly describes all the old customs that have disappeared and makes you yearn for a simpler life. I have bought countless copies to give to friends.

Written about someone who lived in MY village ...a wonderful chronicle and, for me, a very sentimental trip back home! The book was in excellent condition and arrived very quickly ...thank you!