Ian Campbell Thomson relives his time as a young farmworker on a Stirlingshire farm after the Second World War. It is a touching coming-of-age tale as the author makes new friends and experiences romance while finding his own way in an ever-changing world with the passing of age-old country ways, as technology begins to replace traditional farming methods. The book is dedicated to Donald and Blossom, the magnificent pair of Clydesdale horses with which he ploughed, until the sad day when they were replaced by a smart Fordson tractor. Of those early times he writes: 'I often wondered how far I walked in a day behind the plough. My guess was somewhere between 12 and 15 miles ... the words "the ploughman homeward wends his weary way" just about sums up the end of the day trudge back to the farm, with darkness closing in and the stable work to be done.' Peopled with memorable characters including the hard-working 'boss', and the wise Aunt Kit, this is a unique tribute, full of humour and nostalgia, to a disappearing culture.

Today much of Africa is troubled. Perhaps in 1971 Zambia was less so, but it still had poverty, shanty towns, border closures and banditry. The ebb and flow of world copper prices was reflected in the prosperity or otherwise of the country and the wellbeing of its people. The sun is ever-present in Zambia, with sunsets that are breathtaking swathes of colour. Sometimes the throb of drums will carry on the night air, telling of some celebration deep in the bush. The drums seem to speak of an ancient culture unchanged by the passing years - but there is much going on beneath the surface; there is much to tell.

Today much of Africa is troubled. Perhaps in 1971 Zambia was less so, but it still had poverty, shanty towns, border closures and banditry. The ebb and flow of world copper prices was reflected in the prosperity or otherwise of the country and wellbeing of its people

A whimsical view of country life, this is the story of a family, and of village characters at work and play. There are business deals, village cricket, romance, a controversial by-pass, and gambling, all combining to paint a not particularly relaxed lifestyle amongst the idyllic scenery.

This is the story of a farm and the people whose lives it touches... The 'hired lad' has been precipitated into farm management in the London stockbroker belt. The owner is 'big business', a city man, shunning country dress and pursuits but passionate about his land and his animals. The young manager had to adjust to handling diverse staff (including Land Girls), relate to wealthy neighboring landowners and effect changes to the farming system. Two carefree friends enliven his social life, and romance is just around the corner.