Nobbut a Lad

In this warm, tender, wonderfully evocative and often hilarious memoir one of the best-loved men in Britain, Alan Titchmarsh, brilliantly recalls his childhood in 1950s Yorkshire. Growing up in the beautiful landscape that surrounds Ilkley in Wharfedale inspired Alan's early passion for nature. It was his Grandpa Hardisty who - with his allotment - encouraged Alan's first gardening skills. And it was The Princess Book of Ballet which proved the unlikely - and as it happened ill-advised - source of Alan's burgeoning performing talent. There was a lot of growing up to do. With the sharpest eye for detail and vivid recall, he brings to life the various family members, school friends - and foes - teachers and local characters who became the powerful early influences of Alan's life. A joy from beginning to end, this is a classic childhood memoir.