COUNTRY LIFE - Tapa dura

This is a collection of articles taken from "Country Life" which appeared in the author's column "Countryman's Week". The pieces form a wide-ranging kaleidoscope of reflections and evocations, embracing the countryside, gardens, cooking and remembrances. Roy Strong writes of the arrival of the bright green tarragon shoots in spring, of the delights of eating al fresco, of making sorbets from medlar, blackberry and quince, and of the russet beech hedges in winter. Quinquagesima sees the arrival of Lent lillies, a bad winter is signalled by frantic bee activity among the drones, whereas Christmas brings a winding down before the onset of the New Year.