Subjects: Fairs Great Britain. Our Old
English Fairs by R. W. (Raymond Waterville Luke) Muncey was first
published in 1935 by Sheldon Press (London).
A compact survey of English (and wider
British) fairs: how they originated, how they operated, and what
they meant socially and economically. It’s a hardback of 174 pages
with 8 plates, and it includes bibliographical footnotes, so it’s
more than just anecdotal reminiscence.
Muncey mixes history, custom and
on-the-ground description — including the way fairs functioned as
temporary “towns” of booths where people would “eat, drink, and
sleep” during the event.
The book is often cited for its
case-study style passages on particular fairs and traditions,
including Charlton Horn Fair (pp. 74–78), Southwark Fair (pp.
54–58), and discussion of major commercial fairs such as Stourbridge
Fair (pp. 79–85).
Condition:
First Edition. Dustjacket
Poor (completely detached with only the front cover and front
flap surviving, both detached from each other). Book itself in
Very Good condition. Copy bound in the original cloth boards
aText remains well preserved overall; bright and clean with some
foxing in places. |
