The Invention of the English Landscape: c. 1700-1939

English men and women have been visiting, exploring, and portraying the landscape of their nation since the Reformation. The Invention of the English Landscape explores how the natural and historic English landscape was reconfigured to become a widely enjoyed cultural and leisure resource. Peter Borsay considers the forces behind this transformation, such as consumer culture, the media, industrial and transport revolutions, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and the Gothic revival, and reveals the development of a powerful bond between landscape and natural identity. His interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how human understandings of the natural world shaped the geography of England and uncovers valuable material that exposes historical understandings of the landscape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Since at least the Reformation, English men and women have been engaged in a captivating journey of visiting, exploring, and portraying the landscape of their nation through words and images. This rich tradition has spanned centuries, driven by a deep fascination with the natural and historic beauty that surrounds them. In his insightful book, The Invention of the English Landscape, Peter Borsay delves into the profound forces that have shaped the reconfiguration of the English landscape into a widely enjoyed cultural and leisure resource.

Borsay explores a myriad of factors that contributed to this transformation, including the rise of consumer culture, the influence of the media, the industrial and transport revolutions, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and the Gothic revival. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Borsay demonstrates how human perceptions of the natural world have molded the geography of England, unveiling a wealth of valuable material, ranging from novels and poems to paintings, that shed light on historical understandings of the landscape.

One of the key themes that Borsay explores is the powerful bond that has developed between landscape and natural identity. He argues that throughout history, the English landscape has been shaped by a complex interplay between human interventions and the natural world, resulting in a unique and distinctive landscape that reflects the nation's cultural and historical heritage.

As Borsay delves into the historical context, he highlights the social and political changes that have shaped the English landscape over the centuries. From the early modern period to the start of the Second World War, England experienced significant transformations, including urbanization, industrialization, and the growth of transportation networks. These changes not only altered the physical landscape but also had a profound impact on the way

One of the most significant outcomes of this transformation was the emergence of a powerful cultural iconography associated with the English countryside and historic buildings. These iconic landmarks became symbols of national identity and pride, rallying the nation during times of war and providing a sense of continuity and stability amidst the chaos.

During the Second World War, in particular, the English countryside and historic buildings took on a newfound significance as symbols of national resilience. They served as a source of inspiration and resilience for the British people, who faced the challenges of war with determination and courage. The countryside became a refuge for those seeking solace and a connection to nature, while historic buildings provided a sense of continuity and tradition amidst the turmoil.

The post-war heritage industry that emerged in the aftermath of the war played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the English landscape and its cultural heritage. This industry has grown to become a definitive part of British cultural life, with millions of visitors each year exploring the countryside and visiting historic buildings. It has also contributed to the economic development of many communities, providing jobs and generating revenue for local businesses.

In conclusion, The Invention of the English Landscape is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the history and development of the English landscape. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Peter Borsay explores the manifold forces that have shaped the landscape, revealing the profound bond between landscape and natural identity. He highlights the social and political changes that have shaped the English landscape over the centuries, and the emergence of a post-war heritage industry that has become a defining the definitive part of British cultural life. This innovative approach illuminates how the English countryside and historic buildings became cultural icons behind which the nation was rallied during war-time, and explores the emergence of a post-war heritage industry that is now a definitive part of British cultural life.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 240 x 161 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350031678