{"product_id":"about-britain-a-journey-of-seventy-years-and-1345-miles-9781472937285","title":"About Britain: A Journey of Seventy Years and 1,345 Miles","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe Festival of Britain commissioned a series of short guides in 1951 called 'Handbooks for the Explorer' to encourage readers to explore beyond the capital and see Britain as a 'living country.' These guides celebrated the rural splendour of Britain and its industrial power, as well as its thirst for new technologies, manufacturing, and passion for exciting new ways to travel. In 2021, historian Tim Cole takes to the roads to find out what has changed and what has remained the same over the 70 years since the guides were first published. He explores the visible changes to the landscape, as well as the more subtle social and cultural shifts that lie beneath, providing an enchanting look at twentieth and early twenty-first-century Britain. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 384 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 09 June 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA captivating journey through Britain's past and present, seen through the lens of the automobile. In 1951, the Festival of Britain commissioned a series of short guides known as 'handbooks for the explorer.' Their mission was to inspire readers to venture beyond the capital and explore the 'roads and by-roads' of Britain, experiencing it as a vibrant and living country. These thirteen guides did not only celebrate the rural splendor of the 'island nation'; they also showcased Britain's industrial might and mid-century ambition. They highlighted the country's thirst for new technologies, pride in manufacturing, and passion for exciting new modes of road, air, and sea travel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArmed with these 'About Britain' guides, historian Tim Cole embarks on a road trip to discover what has changed and what has remained the same over the past 70 years since their publication. From Oban to Torquay, Caernarvon to Cambridge, he explores the visible transformations in our landscape, as well as the more subtle social and cultural shifts that lie beneath.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a starkly different era, marked by the pandemic and a growing desire for closer-to-home journeys, 'About Britain' emerges as a warm and timely reflection on our evolving relationship with the landscape, industry, and transport. As Cole drives through vineyards, apple orchards, power stations, slate mines, vast greenhouses, and fulfillment centers for online goods, he offers an enchanting glimpse into twentieth and early twenty-first-century Britain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough his observations and insights, Cole highlights the ways in which Britain has evolved, while also acknowledging the enduring qualities that have shaped its identity. He explores the impact of industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements on the landscape, and how they have shaped the way we live, work, and travel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMoreover, 'About Britain' serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating our natural heritage. Cole showcases the beauty and diversity of the country's landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged coastline of Cornwall. He also raises concerns about the impact of development and industrialization on the environment, and the need for sustainable practices to ensure a healthy and thriving future for generations to come.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, 'About Britain' is a captivating and thought-provoking journey through the past and present of the United Kingdom. Through the eyes of the automobile, Tim Cole offers a unique perspective on the country's evolution, highlighting both the changes and the constants that have shaped its identity. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a newcomer to Britain, this book will inspire you to explore, appreciate, and protect the rich tapestry of the country's landscapes and heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 268g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 130 x 197 x 33 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781472937285\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dr Tim Cole","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44094116692218,"sku":"9781472937285","price":7.84,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1654865026864_book.jpg?v=1655208537","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/about-britain-a-journey-of-seventy-years-and-1345-miles-9781472937285","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}