Ode to the Welsh Leek : The Politics of Potatoes, and Other 17th Century Tales
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Book Description
Five "broadsides" from the religious and economic turmoil of 17th-century England. "Ode to the Welsh Leek" or "The Welshman's jubilee in honor of St. David" is a poem about the Welsh tradition of wearing a leek on one's hat every March 1st. "The Dialogue on Church Windows" is an argument between a Protestant, a glazier, and a Separatist on the spiritual value and risk of holy pictures. "The Lascivious Friar" tells of a beautiful and surprisingly Honest Wife and her willing deception of a tragically misguided friar in bloody times. To which is appended a tale about a respectable maiden who causes her over-ardent admirer to leap into a quagmire. England's 17th-century religious conflicts were usually nasty. These tales suggest that they were also regarded (by some) as funny indeed.
This volume also contains "The Politics of Potatoes," a longer tract published in 1664, promoting the miraculous economic potential of that new vegetable to solve all the economic difficulties of England and Wales. The author includes directions for planting and harvesting, and recipes for the poor who would otherwise starve from the high price of wheat. Addressed both to King Charles II and to the very poor, this work is a fascinating example of early modern development of English social welfare and food policy.
About the Author
The first four tales were originally published anonymously.
"The Politics of Potatoes" is by "John Forster, Gentleman," about whom we know nothing more.
Ode to the Welsh Leek : The Politics of Potatoes, and Other 17th Century Tales,Anonymous,Rhwymbooks,188929845X,Early modern, 1500-1700,English poetry,Fiction,General,History / Great Britain,History / Modern / 17th Century,Humor,Humorous,Political poetry, English,Religious poetry, English,17th century,Great Britain,History,Modern - 17th Century,Nutrition policy,Social Welfare (General),Wales
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