Jonathan C. Brown Books

An updated edition of the leading introduction to hadith

With world markets upset and economies in recession, the 1920s and '30s were not an easy time for farmers, who required great resilience to survive. This title examines the challenges that farmers faced and the ways in which they responded.

In this Very Short Introduction Jonathan A. Brown presents both the Muslim version of Muhammad's life, as well as the efforts of Western scholars to uncover the historical Muhammad. He considers the prominent roles that Muhammad's persona has played in the lives of Muslims throughout history, looking at his life and legacy.

Many family historians will come across direct links to ancestors who lived and worked in the countryside as farmers, laborers, landowners, village tradesmen and professionals - for most of us have rural ancestors. Yet despite the burgeoning interest in genealogy, these people have rarely been written about with the family historian in mind. No previous book has provided a guide to the documents and records, from medieval times to the twentieth century, that researchers can use to find out about their rural ancestors and the world in which they lived. That is why this accessible and informative introduction by rural historian Jonathan Brown is so important. He describes the make-up of country and village society - the farmers, large and small, the farm-workers, the landowners and estate-owners, and the local business people, the tradesmen and merchants. At the same time he identifies and discusses the relevant national and local records, indicates where they can be found, and offers essential advice on how this information can be used to piece together the lives of distant and not so distant relatives. Tracing Your Rural Ancestors is essential reading for anyone who is looking for an insight into the history of rural life, work and society.

The old-time shepherd is an emblem of sturdiness, dependability and independence. How did he manage his charges and his own life? What skills and equipment did he use? How did sheep farming change in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and what effect did those changes have on the shepherd's work? This title deals with these questions.

The book examines Argentina's evolution from the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata through to the construction of its first railways in the context of its newfound independence. It highlights key historical events and transformations that shaped the nation, providing insights into the socio-economic and political changes during this pivotal period.

The sight of the watermill is evocative of rural Britain - the wheel turning gently to grind corn. However, that is only part of the story of the harnessing of the power of water. This title presents a story that extends back 2000 years and is still far from over.

A breathtaking ride through the history of cycling in Yorkshire The UK's growing obsession with two wheels is well fed in this outstanding book by Jonathan Brown - the man on the press bike.

In-depth information about early preservation projects.

Exploration of how we can cultivate authentic relationships with God.