I Walked By Night By Lilias Rider Haggard

I Walked by Night was edited from the notes of the self-styled King of the Norfolk Poachers by Lilias Rider Haggard. It is printed in his own words and spelling and is a remarkable picture of how poverty led enterprising countrymen into a way of life which was a running battle with local landowners, their keepers, and the police. He was caught poaching for the first time at the age of twelve, and sent to Norwich Castle Jail. Once out, he vowed to get his revenge, which he did, very successfully, over the ensuing years. But this is not just the story of one man’s rebellion; he loved the countrysideand watched the w3ays of its wildlife as he carried on his ‘trade’. He put down his knowledge in simple and direct language, much as he might have talked about it. It is one of the great spotting books, all the more remarkable for being from the wrong side of the fence.