Josh Billings' Old Farmer's Allminax, 1870-1879, With Comic Illustrations


Book Description

This collection of humorous sayings and witticisms from the renowned humorist Josh Billings is sure to delight readers. Originally published in the late 1800s, it provides a vivid snapshot of life and culture during that era. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.










The Complete Works of Josh Billings


Book Description

The Complete Works of Josh Billings is a collection of essays, stories, and humorous sketches that offer a unique glimpse into 19th-century American life. Written in a folksy, down-to-earth style, Billings' work provides witty observations on a wide range of topics, from politics to human nature, all while maintaining a sense of humor and charm. Billings' writing is reflective of the literary landscape of his time, blending elements of satire, humor, and social commentary to create a distinctive voice in American literature. Readers will find themselves entertained and enlightened by Billings' sharp wit and keen insights. Josh Billings, a pseudonym for the American humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of society to create his distinct literary voice. His background as a farmer and a lecturer allowed him to connect with a wide audience, making his work accessible and beloved by many. Billings' ability to blend humor with astute observations set him apart as a significant figure in 19th-century American literature. I highly recommend The Complete Works of Josh Billings to readers who enjoy satire, humor, and social commentary. Billings' work offers a delightful mix of entertainment and insight, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection.







Shucks, Shocks, and Hominy Blocks


Book Description

History is often measured by records of great leaders and events. Nicholas P. Hardeman convinces us that American history can be measured but the shaping force of a quiet monarch—corn. In fact, corn was more than king, it was a way of life, and Hardeman enthusiastically demonstrates that in order to understand the settling and development of America we must know about corn and its influence. Perhaps no volume has come closer to the grass roots of pre-twentieth century America. The history of American worship of property, love of the land, and the work ethic has its source in this country’s discovery of the values of corn. When Hardeman speaks of values, he emphasizes the human as equal to the economic values. He describes corn growing in early America from clearing the land through planting, cultivating, and harvesting, as it was done on the single-family farm, once the mainstay of American agriculture. He talks about the problems and the hard work of corn growing that led to an explosion of agricultural innovation, mostly American in origin, in the nineteenth century. The author gives his attention as well to corn’s ancestry and the role of the Indians in developing all six major varieties of corn. He discusses in detail the many uses of corn as food and drink and its scores of nonfood applications. Overall, Hardeman casts a glow on the “picturesque, symmetrical, checkered cornfields” of a time past. Corn was more than a commodity to the pioneer. It was a social phenomenon during every phase of its culture and especially in the husking bee, the most popular event of the entire pioneer era. Corn was integral to nearly all American culture—our language, literature, art, and mythology. “Frontiers have been erased . . . but in the subconscious of our cultural undergirding, they are with us yet—those phantom shocks in measured rows, the clamorous birds spiraling on set wings to waiting grain fields below, the rhythmic thudding of hominy blocks, the creaking of wheels and crackling of corncob fires.”




True Cow Tales: Literary Sketches and Stories by Farmers, Ranchers, and Dairy Princesses


Book Description

For the love of Bessie, grab a glass of milk, pull up a comfy chair, and partake of a cow tale or two These 40 stories by farmers and ranchers in the U.S. and Canada will open your eyes to what really goes on in those pastoral scenes with Holsteins, Jerseys, and other cattle breeds. Read about a 101-year-old cowgirl, close calls with bulls, cows and cops, steer roping, cattle branding, herds escaping, and the lovely dairy princesses promoting the healthful dairy industry. Be an armchair traveler with "Miss Lait" (Miss Milk) on her 1954 trip to France, meet a cow called "Grandma," read up on milking cows with baseball players, and see how butter magically turns into the likenesses of princesses. Meet "Patty" and "Paige" - - the Mother's Day cows, follow "Ferdy" the friendly bull, and learn about "Lulu" - - on the loose. "True Cow Tales is a true joy to read. If you have an association with livestock agriculture you will enjoy these short stories and poems. These brought back many memories of growing up on our family farm. True Cow Tales ought to be a part of everyone's family library and should be shared over and over." - Ken Rahjes, Farm Broadcaster for KRVN Radio, Lexington, Nebraska "As the world is further removed from agriculture, it's increasingly important to learn more about your sources of food, fiber and fuel. True Cow Tales is a truly moo-ving tribute to the beef and dairy industries, from the joy of buying your first cow and naming her Patty - yes, Cow Patty - to the wonder of watching a cow nurse an orphaned calf to the sorrow of no longer being able to financially support your farm. This anthology vividly depicts the importance of agriculture through a collection of stories and poems about the lives of farm animals and the dedicated people who care for them." - James Henry, AgriNews Publications Executive Editor "This anthology is an interesting gathering of a wide variety of stories and reminiscences regarding acquaintances and encounters with cattle." - Heather Smith Thomas, rancher and author of Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle (1998); Essential Guide to Calving (2008); Cattle Health Handbook (2009); and more than 9000 stories and articles about cattle and horses. Ever moo to a cow - - or try not to? You may love cows more than you even realized. For a laugh, check out "Cattle Sillies." Need some adventure? Then turn to "Bovine Drama." Favorite cows are the theme of a chapter by that name. For a walk down "memory lane," flip to "Bovine Wistfulness." And for something quite different, enter the world of "Dairy Princesses" and meet the beautiful young women who love cows and spend an entire year of their lives promoting the dairy industry and handing out milk and cheese samples. Cheddar anyone? Follow your "inner moo." Read these stories for old time's sake, or just come along for the ride. And don't forget to drink your milk