A Gamekeeper’s Notebook by Jones and Woodward ISBN 1–900318–164, published by Excellent Press, Palmer’s House, 7 Corve St, Ludlow SY8 1DB, England.

This book was first published in 1910 in the heyday of the Edwardian Sporting Estate. In order to be successful the gamekeeper had to know everything about the wildlife on his territory.

The book is arranged in four sections, corresponding to the seasons of the year, which chronicle a keeper’s work. Each note is a describes a particular aspect of the keeper’s life for example The Keeper’s Larder (Spring) and Why Birds Flock (October). The book is ideal for dipping into at bedtime, or when you have only a few minutes to spare.

Most of the notes are extracted from the notebook of a single keeper, covering ten years. However, the authors have filled in the rough jottings with their own thoughts and memories in a very effective fashion. Unlike many books of the period, which are too wordy for modern tastes, the language is simple and direct.

Although some of the ideas are dated, many remain just as valid today.