Back in the Day: 101 Things Everyone Used to Know How to Do

Today’s modern conveniences make life easier—but they have caused us to lose some of the vital skills our ancestors took for granted. When was the last time you plucked a chicken for dinner? Dug a well to get fresh water? Defended a castle? The time has come to reacquaint ourselves with the past. Here, in a charmingly nostalgic volume, are 101 fascinating things that we’ve forgotten how to do, along with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to enlighten us. Some are practical, such as shearing a sheep. Others are fun, like playing hopscotch. And still more reveal how folks used to behave—would you know the rules of etiquette at a medieval banquet? You’ll be captivated by the ancient tips, time-tested advice, and bygone suggestions.