Perhaps no other fruit is so deeply rooted in English history and culture as the apple. In A Social History, Sally Twiss, of Britain's National Trust, traces the story of the English apple from Biblical times; she then follows an apple through the seasons, from blossom to harvest and beyond. Along the way, she traces the proverbs, superstitions, and folklore that have grown up around some of the orchard's most endearingly-named old varieties, such as Slack Ma Girdle and Hangy Down. A look at apple festivals, cider making, and culinary uses completes the book, along with tips on caring for apple trees and storing the fruit.