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Don’t Laugh Till He’s Out of Sight  
Paperback book, 156 pages
 
Henry Brewis  
Published 1984
 
 
 
Price £4.95   add to cart  
ISBN 0-85236-153-X
 

One of the earliest books by Henry Brewis, this perennial favourite is a confection of stories, poems and cartoons from the early 1980s. In Henry’s own words, it was ‘a source of reassurance to any established peasant feeling low, and hopefully amusing to anyone who sees farming as an interesting (if at times ridiculous) way to almost make a living.’

 
Don't Laugh Till He's Out of Sight - Henry Brewis
 
  ‘The equation is very straightforward: the more animals you keep, the more are likely to expire.’
The auctioneer:
‘ If the trade is good (fast), he’ll not pause for breath – the job is easy, peasants and dealers are waving at him from all directions, desperate to catch his eye and “get in”. He can take bids from starlings nesting in the roof some days, and no one would be any the wiser. “It’s on fire”’ the buyers will say – and they’ll bid as if this was the very last mart.’
 
 

The agent:
‘Michaelmas to Lent
Ride to hounds, shoot a bit
And re-arrange a rent …’