I have to spend the next few days re-reading Flora Thompson's trilogy about life in a tiny Oxfordshire village in the late nineteenth century. The BBC is about to start showing a ten-part dramatisation of Lark Rise to Candleford.This is my favourite edition of the book; although it is an abridged version, it contains wonderful illustrations. Every flower, leaf and shrub mentioned in the text is pictured alongside and there are many contemporary paintings of rural life, now housed in municipal and national museums and galleries. It is a joy to look at it.
While I am delighted that the BBC is indulging our need for quality drama, I do wonder why we they have to lump them all together. Lark Rise to Candleford starts at 8.40pm on Sunday, immediately after the third episode of Sense and Sensibility. I may well have to record it to watch during the week. I like to savour such treats, not gulp them all at one sitting.
The cast looks very interesting and you can preview some more of them and their costumes here.
I think I would love the edition you picture, with illustrations, and when I buy a copy I will look for this edition.
ReplyDeleteI can watch the tv series here in California, and haven't, but may begin. I read all of your posts, so haven't decided about the tv show, but I am sure I will like the book.
My stack of to be read books is very tall.
Terra
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find a copy of the book. I have had mine for many years and don't know if it is still in print but it is worth hunting down.
The tv adaptation has become something of a joke here with lots of parodies made. It bears no resemblance to the book except for the names of places and a few characters but I have developed a sort of affection for it as a comedy show.