After our last very large pre-Christmas circulation (and let me assure readers who expressed their concern, that the reindeer are well and at pasture), this LIBRAL circulation is somewhat smaller in numbers but high in page lengths and, may I say, interest.

The usual eclectic books. Sibson on Artificial Manures (1878) draws together at great deal of information at a time when the chemistry of plant nutrition was beginning to be well understood. Edgar, Story of a grain of wheat (1904) is, as the title perhaps suggests, a fairly popular account of the grain and milling trades but a good introduction to both at the beginning of the twentieth century. Jesse Collings (1831-1920) is no longer a familiar figure, but one who deserves attention. Born in Devon in humble circumstances, he rose to be mayor of Birmingham and then MP for Ipswich and later Bordesley in Birmingham (1886-1918). His rural origins gave him a great sympathy for the National Agricultural Labourer’ Union and for land reform and he was a leading advocate of both allotments and rural education. Here we publish his Land Reform (1906). There will be other works by Collings added to LIBRAL over the next few months.

We have thrown in the rule book of the National Union of Agricultural Workers (1921 with additions) as the bonus book of the month.

It is our intention to offer a full series of the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, so here, to start filling the gap, are two volumes from the years of the First World War.

General View of the month is Kerr on Berwickshire: a very substantial piece of work in itself.

Our thanks to those who entered into the Christmas spirit and sent us their salutations and thanks for what we do. All encouragement (and feedback) gratefully received.

New on LIBRAL in July

New on LIBRAL in January