Another Ragbag Of Riches

By James Chilton

Following the original A Ragbag of Riches published in 2017, here is another bundle of funny, factual, thought provoking and charming entries to “mingle quiet music with amiable irreverance”. Not just witty, pithy quips and quotations but a diverse collection that have caught the eye or ear of James Chilton's enquiring mind and zany humour. Drawing from politians, scholars, artists, influential thinkers, jokers and the common man, from antiquity to the contemporary, they are partisan choices contributed to by Chilton's varied life as a soldier, traveller, singer, plantsman, author, painter, busnessman, designer and family man. It is the essence of the commonplace book but organised loosely into topics and enhanced by the sparkling illustrations of cartoonist Charlie Dunn. In addition and where possible, each author of the various entries has their dates added and a few relevant (and sometimes irrelevant) notes on their lives. From John Arlott to Boris Yeltsin (there is a useful index), from the trivial to the profound, from razor sharp criticism to poignant tributes, this is a book for all occasions. Each anecdote, musing, poem or prayer showcases humanity's variety. Whether to mine for speeches, to raise a smile in low moments, to inform or to entertain, Another Ragbag of Riches will provoke and delight. It is perfect for the bedside, for travel, for browsing and for present giving.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
• Release date: Sep 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781914498428

James Chilton

A grandfather of nine and a father of four, James Chilton lives with his wife and two labradors in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. He holds diplomas in Architectural History from Oxford University, in Design and in Plantsmanship from The English Gardening School and a certificate in the Decorative Arts from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Perennially busy, James draws, sculpts, designs gardens and jewelry and is a member of Bart’s Choir. He also a member of the International Dendrology Society and has lectured at the Royal Geographical Society and in Oxford. His first book, The Last Blue Mountain, was published by Clink Street Publishing in 2015.