The Notorious Guide to Britain: A fascinating tour of the weird, wonderful, murderous and marvellous

A fun and informative trip around the highways (not forgetting the low ways) and byways of Great Britain, including love, romance, murder, royalty, aristocrats, commoners, politics, politicians, sex, scandal, sporting triumphs, and disasters, millionaires, eccentrics, film stars, and train robbers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Ad Lib Publishers Ltd

A captivating and enlightening journey through the highways (and byways) of Great Britain awaits you within the pages of this remarkable book. Prepare to be transported to a world of diverse experiences, where love and romance intertwine with murder and mayhem, royalty and commoners, politics and politicians, sex and scandal, sporting triumphs and sporting disasters, millionaires and eccentrics, film stars and train robbers, and much more.

Harrods, a renowned luxury store, had a unique practice of offering cognac or smelling salts to its customers during their visits. This intriguing tradition was believed to have originated from the store's desire to provide a refreshing and revitalizing experience to its patrons, particularly during the hot summer months.

DJ "Whispering Bob" Harris, a renowned radio personality, is linked to a fascinating story involving a split pair of velvet trousers. It is said that Harris was so enamored with the trousers that he purchased them, even though they were torn in half. He then proceeded to wear them with pride, showcasing his unique sense of style and individuality.

Another intriguing question concerns which high street store issued a patent for a drug to treat syphilis. In the late 19th century, a pharmacy called Boots was at the forefront of medical innovation. They developed a groundbreaking treatment called Salvarsan, which was a significant breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted disease.

The staff of a particular shop had a distinctive uniform and hairstyle that gained widespread attention. The staff at Selfridges, a renowned department store, were known for their stylish uniforms designed by Mary Quant and their trendy hairstyles created by Vidal Sassoon. These fashion choices not only reflected the store's commitment to modernity but also made a statement about the evolving fashion trends of the time.

One of the most intriguing stories in the book involves a woman named "Chief Chick." She was a remarkable individual who placed a sign on her bedroom door bearing the legend "Chief Chick." The sign served as a testament to her confidence and self-assurance, as well as her unconventional approach to life.

Did you know that the cashpoint, a ubiquitous feature of modern banking, was invented while someone was having a bath? In 1967, a man named John Shepherd-Barron was relaxing in his bathtub when he had the idea of creating a machine that would allow people to withdraw cash without having to visit a bank. This innovative invention revolutionized the way we handle financial transactions and paved the way for the convenience we enjoy today.

These are just a few of the captivating stories and trivia that await you in this remarkable book. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a fashion lover, or simply someone who enjoys learning about the quirks and eccentricities of the world, "Great Britain's Hidden History" is a must-read. So, grab a copy and embark on a journey through the highways and byways of Great Britain, where every turn brings a new adventure and discovery.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 136 x 204 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914451072