Fascinating to read these narratives gathered in the mid-1970s about what the very old (mostly in their 80's) individuals best remember about their pasts, their comments on their current living situations, and, infrequently, on death itself. A wide array of British--WWI vets, former miners, people "upstairs" and "downstairs" from former estates, a Montessori teacher, some intact couples, etc. in many states of physical and/or mental health.

(And to think that, in such a short time, the "very old" now refer to people in their 90s or 100+.)

Ronald Blythe has captured the dignity of these people, whether they actually are treated with dignity or not in their current lives. ( )