Adrian Bell (1901 – 1980) was an English journalist and farmer, who wrote over 20 books on farming and the countryside. He was also the first compiler of The Times crossword, contributing around 5,000 puzzles between 1930 and 1978. Silver Ley is an autobiographical account of Adrian Bell’s first year running a farm in Suffolk during the 1920's. Bell finds himself and his community caught up in larger affairs as the signs of the Depression begin to affect the countryside. However, there is still time for play, with field hockey and hunting in winter, dancing and village fetes in summer, not to mention the firm friends he found amongst his neighbours.   Adrian Bell is one of the best-known of modern writers dealing with the countryside. His books are noted for their close observations of country life. Published by Penguin in 1940. A vintage Penguin paperback in good condition.