The Farmer's Year

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In the early 1930s, Clare Leighton created twelve wood engravings that captured traditional farming practices during the Great Depression, a time when mechanization was altering rural life. Already an accomplished engraver, Leighton was encouraged to write a text to accompany her prints, marking a significant moment in her career. She not only engraved and wrote but also designed the entire book, crafting stunning chapter openers and tail pieces. The result was a remarkable and successful documentation of the hard work and achievements of farm laborers before World War II transformed the countryside. First published in November 1933 in both Britain and the USA, the book quickly gained popularity, reaching three impressions by February 1934 and receiving widespread critical acclaim. Notable figures like Frank Rutter praised its sincerity and excellence, while Eric Gill highlighted its grand portrayal of rural life. Despite its impact, the book has not been reprinted since 1934, making this 1992 edition with a new afterword by Patricia Jaffé a long-awaited revival. The large format edition measures 285mm in height, 363mm in width, and 15mm in thickness.