1980 As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning - Laurie Lee(Leonard Rosoman illustration)Andre Deutsch

Good book clean copy from the author of Cider With Rosie. 

**"As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning"** is a memoir by English author **Laurie Lee**, first published in 1969. This book is the second in Lee's autobiographical trilogy, following **"Cider with Rosie"** (1959) and preceding **"A Moment of War"** (1991).

### Overview:
In "As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning," Laurie Lee recounts his experiences as a young man who leaves his idyllic rural village in Gloucestershire, England, to explore the wider world. The memoir covers his journey from his home to London and eventually to Spain, where he arrives in the mid-1930s, just before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.

### Key Elements:

- **Leaving Home**: The book begins with Lee leaving his village at the age of 19, armed with little more than a violin and a thirst for adventure. This departure marks his first step towards independence and self-discovery.

- **London**: In London, Lee finds work on a construction site, experiencing the bustle of city life for the first time. His time in London is characterized by a sense of awe and disorientation as he navigates a world far removed from the one he knew in the countryside.

- **Spain**: Lee's wanderlust eventually leads him to Spain, where he walks from Vigo on the northwest coast to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, he experiences the beauty and simplicity of rural Spanish life, learning the language and making friends with the locals. However, his journey also coincides with the rising tensions that would soon lead to the Spanish Civil War.

- **Historical Context**: As Lee travels through Spain, he becomes increasingly aware of the political unrest and the poverty that plague the country. His observations foreshadow the imminent conflict, which he would later experience firsthand in "A Moment of War," his account of participating in the Spanish Civil War.

### Themes:
- **Youth and Adventure**: The memoir captures the spirit of youthful adventure and the longing to explore the unknown. Lee’s journey is both a literal and metaphorical passage into adulthood.
- **Cultural Encounters**: Lee’s interactions with the people of Spain offer insights into a country on the brink of turmoil, highlighting the differences and commonalities between his English background and the Spanish culture he encounters.
- **Poetic Prose**: Lee’s writing is celebrated for its lyrical, evocative prose. His descriptions of landscapes, people, and moments are rich with imagery, bringing his journey vividly to life.

### Significance:
"As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning" is cherished for its vivid depiction of a young man's journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of a changing Europe. Laurie Lee's poetic style, combined with his keen observations of the world around him, makes this memoir a captivating and enduring piece of travel literature.

The book is often regarded as a classic in the genre of travel writing and remains popular among readers who appreciate both its historical context and its timeless exploration of the human desire for freedom and adventure.