From the bestselling author of Hamlyn's Top 10 of Everything series comes a special collection of 250 unique lists that observe of the idiosyncrasies of our Isles and encompass everything British. Discover hundreds of essential, intriguing and bizarre facts about your country's most iconic subjects, including: The 10 most produced plays by Shakespeare 10 defunct British national holidays The 10 longest seaside piers The 10 lowest-scoring UK Eurovision entries The 10 latest winners of the World Conker Championships The 10 first performed Gilbert & Sullivan operas The Top 10 singles of all time banned by the BBC 10 unusual British laws The Top 10 Tesco's lines The 10 latest winners of the Pub of the Year award... plus 240 other fascinating lists in this at-a-glance guide to what makes Britain great.
From the Sunday Times bestselling author Which fifty people made Britain the wreck she is? From ludicrous propagandist Alastair Campbell to the Luftwaffe's allies, the modernist architects, it's time to name the guilty. Quentin Letts sharpens his nib and stabs them where they deserve it, from TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, the dumbed-down buffoon who put the 'h' in Aspidistra, to the perpetrators of the 'Credit Crunch'. Margaret Thatcher ruptured our national unity. The creators of EastEnders trashed our brand over high tea. Thus, he argues, are the people who made our country the ugly, scheming, cheating, beer-ridden bum of the Western world. Here are the fools and knaves and vulgarians who ripped down our British glories and imposed the tawdry and the trite. In a half century we have gone from end-of-Empire to descent-into-Hell.
In a century of rapid social change, the British people have experienced two world wars, the growth of the welfare state and the loss of Empire. Charles More looks at these and other issues in a comprehensive study of Britain’s political, economic and social history throughout the twentieth century. This accessible new book also engages with topical questions such as the impact of the Labour party and the role of patriotism in British identity.
Featuring hundreds of photographs, this lavishly illustrated guide to some of the most distinguished British brands takes a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at their enduring success. Classic style and British manufacturing are both experiencing a boom in demand—driven by a desire among consumers for authentic, quality products. Britain is uniquely placed to benefit from this resurgence, given the number of heritage companies still producing at the top of their game. From the world-famous Barbour in South Shields in the north of England to John Lobb in London, many of these fine businesses remain in family ownership, protective of their traditions and justifiably proud of their products. Many are the bearers of warrants from the British Royal family, and all are over 100 years old. Horst Friedrichs explores the historic places where these British brands have become some of the strongest in the world: Johnston’s of Elgin in the north of Scotland, Corgi socks in southern Wales, and John Smedley in Derbyshire. By highlighting the stories of these legendary brands—both new and old, grand and humble— Friedrichs and Crompton show how relevant these companies and their traditional production techniques still are. A Very British Heritage is a must-read for anyone that appreciates wellcrafted products and timeless style.
A startling expose of Britain's most valuable asset - its land. Kevin Cahill's investigations reveal how the 6000 or so landowners -mostly aristocrats, but also large institutions and the Crown - own about 40 million acres, more than half the country, and have maintained their grip on the land right throughout the 20th century.
David Cannadine's unique history examines the British preoccupation with class and the different ways the British have thought about their own society. From the eighteenth through the twentieth century, he traces the different ways British society has been viewed, unveiling the different purposes each model has served. This is a social, intellectual and political history and a powerful account of how and why class has shaped British identity.
Salty-fresh sea breeze and chips on the beach, sun soaked pub gardens in sleepy little villages, romantic medieval ruins and prehistoric wonders - discover Great Britain's unique charms. Whether you want to go wild swimming in the Fairy Pools of Skye, take a windswept walk along the Jurassic Coast or scale the heights of Snowdonia, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Great Britain has to offer. From the jagged peaks of the Scottish Highlands and dramatic moors of the Peak District, to the sweeping sands of Norfolk and Northumberland, Great Britain boasts miles of spectacular landscape to hike, bike and explore. Our recently updated guide brings Great Britain to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the island's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. You'll discover: - our pick of Great Britain's must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems - the best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay - detailed maps and walks which make navigating the island easy - easy-to-follow itineraries - expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe - colour-coded chapters to every part of Great Britain, from London to Edinburgh, the Cotswolds to Cornwall Want the best of Great Britain in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 guides to Scotland, the Lake District, Cornwall and Devon and London.
Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Discover the freedom of open roads while touring Great Britain with Lonely Planet's Great Britain's Best Trips, your passport to up-to-date advice on uniquely encountering Great Britain by car. Featuring 36 amazing road trips, from 2-day escapes to 2-week adventures, you can discover the grandeur of Scotland's mountains and wind through England's quaint country lanes, all with your trusted travel companion. Get to Great Britain, rent a car, and hit the road! Inside Lonely Planet's Great Britain's Best Trips: Lavish colour and gorgeous photography throughout Itineraries and planning advice to pick the right tailored routes for your needs and interests Get around easily - 36 easy-to-read, full-colour route maps, detailed directions Insider tips to get around like a local, avoid trouble spots and be safe on the road - local driving rules, parking, toll roads Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Useful features - including Driving Problem Buster, Detours, and Link Your Trip Covers England, Scotland, Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, Bath, Edinburgh, Stonehenge, Welsh Mountains, Cambridge, Oxford, the northern wilderness, Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Great Britain's Best Trips is perfect for exploring Great Britain via the road and discovering sights that are more accessible by car. Planning a Great Britain trip sans a car? Lonely Planet's Great Britain guide, our most comprehensive guide to Great Britain, is perfect for exploring both top sights and lesser-known gems. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
The best guide to the country, packed with full-color photographs of the highest caliber This magnificent collection of photographs captures not only Britain's splendid natural beauty, but the very essence of the land—its people, its history, its architecture, and its customs. Stunning pictures transport readers on a journey county by county though England, Scotland, and Wales, with extended captions that bring each image to life. From cottages to cathedrals, from palaces to promenades, and from Stonehenge to the works of modern British sculptors, this is a stunning photographic celebration of Britain's glorious past and thriving present.
