Post by quadbod on Mar 24, 2011 0:08:15 GMT
I had an excellent evening out tonight with a friend going to a local theatre to see a new (?) documentary film about research into the original book: 'I walked by night: Being the philosophy of the king of the Norfolk Poachers. Written by Himself.'
'Himself' being Fred Rolfe and the book being edited by Lilias Rider Haggard and published in the late 30's.
Very interesting to me as I used to live just outside Bungay, the town where he finished his days. Lots of film and pictures of places that I know quite well and an interesting view of life in the late 1800's and 1900's.
I can't say that I have ever read the original story but am now hunting a copy to buy. Several available on the internet but I just need a bit more time to consider the best option as the original contained quite a few illustrations by Edward Seago, born in Norwich but apparently lived quite locally.
Although I think it is always nice to have an old copy of a book, a new edition (very similar to the original) was published in 2009.
Has anybody on here read the original book?
'Fred Rolfe was the 'King of the Norfolk Poachers.' From the time when, as a child, he went to prison and the tread-mill for snaring a rabbit, he lived "agin the law." Rolfe began poaching in boyhood and, despite trying other jobs, including gamekeeping, continued his illegal career with increasing relish. He wrote I Walked by Night in old age, recording the lives of many tough, fascinating characters struggling to survive in an era of rural hardship.'
At the end of the film, the researcher and film maker were also in attendance and so answered a few questions and gave us a bit more information about the film.
Although this was my first visit to this theatre, I must admit I was suprised to see the place brimful with people - all obviously interested in the local history and country life.
Despite having watched the film, I hadn't realised until the discussion afterwards that March 23rd was the anniversary of his death 73 years ago.
Still...... an enjoyable night out.
'Himself' being Fred Rolfe and the book being edited by Lilias Rider Haggard and published in the late 30's.
Very interesting to me as I used to live just outside Bungay, the town where he finished his days. Lots of film and pictures of places that I know quite well and an interesting view of life in the late 1800's and 1900's.
I can't say that I have ever read the original story but am now hunting a copy to buy. Several available on the internet but I just need a bit more time to consider the best option as the original contained quite a few illustrations by Edward Seago, born in Norwich but apparently lived quite locally.
Although I think it is always nice to have an old copy of a book, a new edition (very similar to the original) was published in 2009.
Has anybody on here read the original book?
'Fred Rolfe was the 'King of the Norfolk Poachers.' From the time when, as a child, he went to prison and the tread-mill for snaring a rabbit, he lived "agin the law." Rolfe began poaching in boyhood and, despite trying other jobs, including gamekeeping, continued his illegal career with increasing relish. He wrote I Walked by Night in old age, recording the lives of many tough, fascinating characters struggling to survive in an era of rural hardship.'
At the end of the film, the researcher and film maker were also in attendance and so answered a few questions and gave us a bit more information about the film.
Although this was my first visit to this theatre, I must admit I was suprised to see the place brimful with people - all obviously interested in the local history and country life.
Despite having watched the film, I hadn't realised until the discussion afterwards that March 23rd was the anniversary of his death 73 years ago.
Still...... an enjoyable night out.