Few have written more beautifully about the British countryside than Francis Kilvert. A country clergyman born in 1840, Kilvert spent much of his time visiting parishioners, walking the lanes and fields of Herefordshire and writing in his diary. Full of passionate delight in the natural world and the glory of the changing seasons, his diaries are as generous, spontaneous and vivacious as Kilvert himself. He is an irresistible companion.

This new edition of William Plomer's original selection contains new archival material as well as a fascinating introduction illuminating Kilvert's world and the history of the diaries.

'One of the best books in English' Sunday Times

'Kilvert has touched and delighted (and mildly shocked) readers of his diaries ever since they were first published. New readers are in for a treat' Alan Bennett

The sweet-natured, gossipy diaries of a Victorian country clergyman with a full introduction and archive material detailing the history of the diary. This is the only proper edition of Kilvert's Diary.

About the Author

Francis Kilvert (Author)
Robert Francis Kilvert was a Victorian country clergyman. He was born at Hardenhuish, or Harnish, near Chippenham in Wiltshire, on the 3rd December, 1840, the second child of the Rev. Robert Kilvert, and of Thermuthis. Francis Kilvert spent his early years at Hardenhuish, was educated privately, went in due course to Wadham College, Oxford, and entered the Church. He began writing a diary on 1 Jan 1870 and continued until his early death in 1879.

William Plomer (Edited by)
William Plomer CBE (1903-1973) was a South African and British novelist, poet and literary editor. An editor at F&F, he was also a reader at Cape where he worked on Kilvert's Diaries.

Reviews
Kilvert has touched and delighted and (mildly shocked) readers of his diaries ever since they were first published. New readers are in for a treat
One of the most enchanting portraits of English rural life ever written...Kilvert's lyrical nature writing is recognised for its Wordsworthian sensibility * Guardian *
One of the best books in English * Sunday Times *
Funny, lyrical, witty and wise, Robert Kilvert's diaries are a treasure-house of vital fieldwork and social observation. Parochial is the best sense, he joyed in the natural wonders of his parish, recording the trials and splendours of his day-to-day. As such, the diary is a marvel of observance; a hybrid hymn to a world now lost and a vibrant counterpoint to fellow poet-cleric, Gerard Manley Hopkins
The best picture of quiet vicarage life in Victorian England that has yet been given to us



Book Information
ISBN 9781784875718
Author William Plomer
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint Vintage Classics
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 362g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 31mm