Last Person Rural

David Godine, 1991

EIGHT YEARS AFTER Dartmouth English Professor Noel Perrin proclaimed his Third Person Rural to be the last in a series, he has come out with another book of country essays based on his 90 acre farm in Thetford Center, Vermont. "Writers," admits Perrin, "are very apt to say tilings in print... and later to change their minds. This makes them feel foolish." Fortunately, Perrin is no fool, and his latest collection of rural-living observations is every bit as timely, provocative, and deftly written as were his first three.

Fortunately, too, Perrin devotes only a part of this book to the light-hearted, hands on stories that characterize his earlier works. Here, in what may reflect the author's own evolution as well as the evolution of the rural landscape, are thoughts on land trusts and angry, eloquent essays about acid rain and poisonous industry, about dubious "progress" and the loss that comes with artificial foods and unwise development. Like a good country minister, Perrin wraps his sermons in humor, history, and optimism. They are recommended reading for farmer and nonfarmer alike, maybe even a congressman or town planner.

Professional Yank fud Hale checks on the weather: