Studies in the Art of Rat-catching

A witty, turn‑of‑the‑century memoir invites listeners into the unlikely world of a professional rat‑catcher. The narrator, a former parson’s son who turned his modest five‑shilling start‑up and a mongrel terrier into a lifelong vocation, recounts the gritty realities of chasing vermin for modest pay, while offering colorful snapshots of country life, schoolyard banter, and the eccentric characters who shaped his trade.

Framed as a series of lively sketches meant for schoolrooms, the story balances humor with a genuine sense of purpose, suggesting that even the most humble pursuits can teach resilience and usefulness. Listeners will savor the author’s dry, reflective voice as he weaves personal anecdotes with observations about social expectations, all set against the backdrop of late‑Victorian England’s countryside. The first act leaves the listener eager to follow his adventures, his dog’s loyalty, and the quirky lessons that rat‑catching might yet offer.