1st 2022 295pp Reaktion. Illustrated. Near fine in near fine dustwrapper.
 
Signed "with best wishes" by author on half title page. According to legend, the English landscape so calm on the surface is really the Devils work. Cloven Country tells of rocks hurled into place and valleys carved out by infernal labour. The Devils hideous strength laid down great roads in one night, and left scars everywhere as the hard stone melted like wax under those burning feet. With roots in medieval folklore, this is not the Satan of prayer, but a clumsy ogre, easily fooled by humankind. When a smart cobbler or cunning young wife outwitted him, they struck a blow for the underdog. Only the wicked squire and grasping merchant were beyond redemption, carried off by a black huntsman in the storm.