About England

The book explores how England and Englishness have been imagined since the 1960s, covering politics, popular culture, geography, art, architecture, film, and music. It reveals the ways in which the national is entangled with the local, regional, European, international, imperial, post-imperial, and global, and how recent cultural and political debates have been shaped by events over the previous sixty years.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

‘England and ‘Englishness’ have garnered significant attention in the twenty-first century, particularly in the context of debates surrounding Brexit. About England delves into the evolving conceptions of these notions since the 1960s, encompassing a wide range of themes such as politics, popular culture, geography, art, architecture, film, and music. David Matless guides us through the intricate cultural landscape of England, unveiling the intricate web of connections between the national, local, regional, European, international, imperial, post-imperial, and global spheres. He also explores physical landscapes, ranging from picturesque villages and country houses to bustling urban, suburban, and industrial environments, and reflects on the concept of the ‘English modern.’ About England uncovers the historical roots of contemporary cultural and political debates in England, demonstrating how events of the past sixty years have shaped the concerns and anxieties of the twenty-first century.

Introduction:
In recent years, England and its identity have been the subject of much debate and discussion, particularly in the aftermath of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit). The country's complex history, diverse culture, and geographical location have all contributed to its unique identity, which has been shaped by a range of historical, social, and political factors.

England and 'Englishness':
England and 'Englishness' have been central to debates over Brexit and have received significant attention in the twenty-first century. The concept of 'Englishness' has been defined in various ways, ranging from a cultural heritage to a set of shared values and beliefs. It has been associated with a sense of national pride, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to traditional English values such as democracy, individualism, and respect for authority.

Imagining England:
Since the 1960s, the concept of England has been imagined in many different ways, reflecting the changing social, cultural, and political landscape of the country. The book explores how these conceptions have evolved, covering themes such as politics, popular culture, geography, art, architecture, film, and music. David Matless, the author, navigates the complex cultural terrain of England, revealing the ways in which the national is entangled with the local, regional, European, international, imperial, post-imperial, and global.

Cultural Landscapes:
The book also explores physical landscapes, from the picturesque villages and country houses to the bustling urban, suburban, and industrial environments. Matless reflects on the 'English modern,' a term that refers to the cultural and political developments that have taken place in England since the mid-twentieth century. He discusses the impact of globalization, immigration, and technological change on the country's culture and identity, and how these factors have shaped the contemporary debate over England and 'Englishness.'

Political Debates:
About England also uncovers the genealogy of recent cultural and political debates in England, showing how twenty-first-century concerns and anxieties have been moulded by events over the previous sixty years. Matless discusses how the legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and the Cold War has shaped the country's political landscape, and how these historical events have contributed to the current debate over Brexit and the future of England's relationship with the European Union.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, About England is a valuable contribution to the study of England and 'Englishness' in the twenty-first century. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolving conceptions of these notions since the 1960s, covering a wide range of themes and perspectives. Through his insightful analysis, David Matless sheds light on the complex web of connections between the national, local, regional, European, international, imperial, post-imperial, and global spheres, and how these connections have shaped the cultural and political landscape of England. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of England's identity and its place in the world.

Weight: 722g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789146912