- Published: 16 April 2020
- ISBN: 9781784165352
- Imprint: Black Swan
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 448
- RRP: $32.99
The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places
- Published: 16 April 2020
- ISBN: 9781784165352
- Imprint: Black Swan
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 448
- RRP: $32.99
In his introduction Neil Oliver calls the British ‘a lucky, blessed people’, and his book holds up a mirror to that national self-image. Oliver’s timeline journey travels from prehistoric footprints off the Norfolk coast to the Ozymandias folly of the Millennium Dome, from a tiny, exquisite jewel crafted for King Alfred the Great to great enigmatic stone forts in the West of Ireland that are being eaten by the sea. Stories we have been telling ourselves for thousands of years are falling on deaf ears or being forgotten, says Oliver. Here in a hundred fascinating doses is the antidote to that millennial malaise.
Christopher Somerville, <i>The Times </i>walking correspondent, author of <i>The January Man
This book brilliantly demonstrates Neil's mastery of the broad sweep of British history and landscape.
Dan Snow
Everyone should have two copies – one for the car and one for the house to plan journeys. It’s a robust rebuke to the satnav – a reminder to think more about the places you pass and less about your route, because every British journey is through rich history.
Edward Stourton
Neil Oliver brings his vast experience and expertise to bear on this deeply personal journey into British history - a wonderful read.
Alice Roberts
A book of compelling stories.
Mail on Sunday
A wonderfully engaging tour of Britain and Ireland from the much loved television historian.
Books Are My Bag
A collection of highly crafted historical-archaeological microessays, each centred on a significant place in Britain or Ireland. Few popular history books are as pleasingly tactile as this one..a vivid, pungent history
James McConnachie, TLS