HarperNorth swoops for Coulthard's 'effortlessly readable' history of the countryside in 100 objects

HarperNorth has swooped for A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects by Sally Coulthard.

Senior commissioning editor Jonathan de Peyer acquired world all-language rights from Jane Graham Maw at Graham Maw Christie Agency. The book will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook in February 2024 with 100 drawings from illustrator Neil Gower and a cover designed by illustrator Holly Ovenden.

A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects is "an approachable and authoritative history" about the people who have lived in these rural areas, the landscapes and their "pastoral activities".

The synopsis continues: "For much of history, rural life is undocumented, so objects provide a direct route into the history of the countryside. From farming tools to children’s toys, domestic objects and strange curios, the everyday objects made and used by the people who occupied the land reveal fascinating insights into an often-forgotten way of life."

De Peyer said: "I’ve admired Sally’s writing for the longest time – it’s brilliantly informed, deeply researched and also effortlessly readable. This, her first book for us, combines all of the best bits of Oliver Rackham, Lia Leendertz and Lara Maiklem’s approaches into an overall package that will be incredibly beautiful, very giftable and essential for anyone interested in British – and human – history."

Coulthard added: "People, nature and history. When you bring these three topics together, magic happens. This is the space of folklore, farming, and the triumphs and disasters of our rural ancestors. From superstitions to scientific breakthroughs, bloodshed to bucolic moments, the history of countryside belongs to us all. It’s our true origin story."