Born in 1938, Neil Lanham grew up in post-war Britain, shaped by the hardships and traditions of rural life. Following the early loss of his father, Neil was raised by a determined mother in Newmarket and steeped in the stories of Suffolk farming folk, whose tales and resilience would guide him throughout his life. His formative years working on his grandfathers Red House Farm in Kersey ignited a lifelong curiosity which led him to become one of the UKs most successful auctioneers, uncovering hidden treasures and achieving more than 100 world record prices in the days before the internet and mobile phones. In I Bid You Farewell, Lanham charts an era of remarkable change in Britains auction houses, from the austere post-war years through the booming era of the 1980s, explaining the psychology behind the prices caused by dealers and collectors seemingly discovering lots in this rural backwater and reveals the full story behind each extraordinary price. It also highlights how Neil was able to nimbly react to rapidly unfolding new markets, caused firstly by Harold Wilson devaluing the pound and then Margaret Thatcher, where bigger auction houses couldnt. It is a true insight into the secrets of the auctioneers mind. Through tales that span decades from measuring in muddy fields to the genteel halls of East Anglias estates I Bid You Farewell chronicles the quirks, scams, camaraderie of auctioneering to highlight not only the evolution of that world, but also the deep-rooted traditions of a rural Britain that has all but vanished. The title I Bid You Farewell comes from an old Suffolk tale a nod to the humour and warmth that runs throughout Neils writing. Now aged 87, Neil sees this work as his final offering, a swansong that not only tells his personal story but preserves the spirit of rural community life for future generations. a must-read for anyone who cherishes the heritage of the English countryside and the colourful characters who shaped it. Unreserved seating.