An article appeared in both the Manchester Evening News and the Daily Mail on 30th April 2008[avaiable on line through their websites] under the title "How to do the ton".It subsequently appeared in Australian and New Zealand newspapers.

Basically,nutritional therapist Elizabeth Harfleet found amongst the papers of her deceased aunt,who had lived to the ripe age of 103,a small booklet annotated with her aunt's notes,titled "How to live 100 years".Published probaby in the 1950's by Bradford Herbalists,James Robinson and Sons "Herbalists to the million".In their day Robinson's were a firm covering all facets of the medical herbal industry-manufacturing,wholesale,retail,mail order plus a clinic run by NIMH practitioners.They had a particular reputation for treating skin diseases and in fact also issued a booklet dealing with psoriasis.

Extracts and pictures from the booklet can be seen on the website www.howtolive100years.com and the entire booklet can be downloaded from that site[not free!].

Kevin

Hi Kevin

You have such an impressive knowledge of all this kind of stuff, thanks to you and the things you posted,  I've been able to get hold of some older catalogues and books and the stuff is really interesting and has whetted my appetite to discover more about the history of the humble herbalist, so sad that most of the shops and companies are closing down, we fast are running the risk of losing so much valuable information of people don't keep delving into the past.

I seem to recall reading something about the how to live for 100 years story recently, although it could have been something my Dad mentioned as the MEN is his local paper (I am a Manchester lass by birth :} )

I checked out the website you posted above and thought it may be interesting to have a copy of the booklet. However, expecting people to pay £8.95 for a download is a bit much in my opinion, especially when its just a virtual booklet and not a physical book. The cynic in me says its just people cashing in, although I do believe that it will be full of worthwhile information and a valuable insight into herbal days of yore, I'm not sure if its worth parting with £8.95 for in the current economic climate.

Of course if the publishers would like me to review it for them so I can let everyone else know if its worth paying for I'd gladly do it, although I somehow doubt the offer will be forthcoming

Debs

Hi Debs,

I too am very cynicalFar to much to pay for a download.Also agree about the current economic climate.

I am presently in France visiting my daughter and have a number of old herbal books purchased over the past year,so shortly shall have some other posts you may enjoy.

All the best

Kevin

Hi Kevin

Glad it isn't just me that is cynical lol! France visiting, you lucky person! Hope you take some photos of the lavender fields to share? Looking forward to your posts when you get back.

Debs