
audiobook
by J. Arthur (Joseph Arthur) Gibbs
A COTSWOLD VILLAGE
BY J. ARTHUR GIBBS
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
CHAPTER I. - FLYING WESTWARDS
CHAPTER II. - A COTSWOLD VILLAGE
CHAPTER III. - VILLAGE CHARACTERS
CHAPTER IV. - THE LANGUAGE OF THE COTSWOLDS, WITH SOME ANCIENT SONGS AND LEGENDS
CHAPTER V. - ON THE WOLDS
CHAPTER VI. - A GALLOP OVER THE WALLS
In this gently winding portrait of village life, the author invites listeners into the rolling hills and stone cottages of the Cotswolds. He mixes careful natural history with the simple pleasures of cricket, gardening, and quiet afternoons by a sparkling brook, all portrayed with a poet’s eye for detail. The opening chapters set the scene through vivid sketches of ancient farms, ivy‑clad walls, and the rhythm of seasonal work, establishing a warm, immersive atmosphere.
Beyond description, the narrator’s affection for the people who inhabit the valley shines through; he moves among them as a trusted friend, offering help and listening to their concerns. His reflections on faith, community, and the fleeting nature of time lend the work a thoughtful undercurrent without interrupting its pastoral charm. Listeners will come away feeling as though they have walked the winding lanes themselves, hearing the church bells and the soft murmur of village gossip.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (643K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Dave Morgan, Charlie Kirschner and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1867–1899
Best known for his loving portrait of rural Gloucestershire, this late-Victorian writer captured village life, sport, and the countryside with warmth and sharp observation. He also played first-class cricket, bringing the same lively eye to the field that he brought to the page.
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