Happy St George’s Day! Here is a selection of some of our favourite reads that celebrate England, both in fact and fiction.
The Last Englishman by Hebe Weenolsen
‘A rapid-fire thriller’ The New York Times
Set in England in 1069 A.D. following the Norman Conquest, this historical saga that is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.
The Englishman’s England: Taste, Travel and the Rise of Tourism by Ian Ousby
‘Witty, well-focused, highly pertinent’ – The Observer
In this fascinating and original study, Ian Ousby investigates the landmarks chosen by the English for their leisure travel over the centuries.
Drake: England’s Greatest Sea-Farer by Ernle Bradford
‘A gripping story’ – The Economist
The life of Sir Francis Drake reads like a piece of improbable fiction. He was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, was the plunderer of the Spanish gold fleet, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth aboard his ship The Golden Hind, and was largely responsible for the destruction of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
England and American: Rivals in the American Revolution by Clause H. Van Tyne
‘Well worth the read’ – Five Star Amazon Review
From American historian Claude H. Van Tyne, this an engaging study which, to this day, proves a refreshing take on the human aspects of the revolution and its causes.
The Governor of England by Marjorie Bowen
‘Takes you right to the heart of one the greatest stories in English history’. – Robert Foster
In this historical novel the whole story of Oliver Cromwell’s dealings with Parliament and the King is played out before you in thrilling excitement and vivid action.
The English Air by D. E. Stevenson
‘This book was pure wisdom mixed with British charm and wit’ – Goodreads Reviewer
In the midst of the Second World War, a young man with an English mother and a German father falls in love with an English girl in the beautiful countryside. But as the war continues, which side will he choose?
England’s Greatest All-Rounder by Roderick Easdale
‘Preposterously entertaining’ – Press Association
In this thought-provoking essay Roderick Easdale closely examines the careers of four legendary cricketers – Trevor Bailey, Tony Greig, Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff – to judge who was the finest.
England V Scotland by Brian James
‘A fascinating book for any fan of the game.’ – Robert Foster
‘England v. Scotland’ is a fast-paced and comprehensive history spanning over one hundred years of game-play with analytic reports on 105 matches. It is a must-read guide to a century of thrilling football.
The Age of Urban Democracy: England 1868-1914 by Donald Read
“…Professor Read’s book is a most useful pathfinder through the thickets of printed material on the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.” – Times Literary Supplement
Donald Read explains how between 1868 – 1914, England acquired its modern shape: socially, politically and economically. This widely acclaimed study spans from the middle of Victoria’s reign to Britains entry into the Great War.
