The story of England, of her history and culture in the words of the people who lived it, from Julius Caesar and Siegfried Sassoon to Alan Clark and Jonny Wilkinson, from 55 BC to 2004 AD
Fountainhead of democracy, engine of the Industrial Revolution, epicentre of the globe's greatest empire and the first-ditch stand against an expansionist Germany in two world wars: England's history is among the most fascinating and influential the world has ever known.
This volume presents that history in unique form: first-hand, through the words of those who saw it and those who made it. All the great events of the last 2,000 years are here: the Norman Conquest, Magna Carta, the Peasants' Revolt, Henry VIII's break with Rome, the Great Fire of London, Nelson at Trafalgar, two world wars. Alongside these are the less obvious happenings which together capture the nation's social history, such as the Black Death of 1349 or life as a chimney sweep in 1817. And of couse there are the things that have shaped the nature of 'Englishness', like theatregoing in Elizabethan London, fox hunting in 1898, Oates's self-sacrifice at the South Pole, the Beatles and the 1966 World Cup.
Presented chronologically and a joy to read whether cover-to-cover or dipped into as a treasury of sources, England: The Autobiography offers an intimate, vivid and revealing portrait of England and the English - and the unique place of both in world history.
John Lewis-Stempel is a farmer and 'Britain's finest living nature writer' (The Times). His books include the Sunday Times bestsellers Woodston, TheRunning Hare and The Wood, and most recently he published England: A Natural History. He is the only person to have won the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing twice, with Meadowland and Where Poppies Blow. In 2016 he was named Magazine Columnist of the Year for his column in Country Life. He farms cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. Traditionally.
Ana Jarén, born in Seville in 1985, began her career in the fashion communication field in Madrid, where she is currently based. Being surrounded by designers, stylists, and magazines ignited her creative side and she began work as an illustrator.
In her work, Ana seeks the beauty of life, people, and daily scenes, always with a sharp eye for small details. She centers the world of feelings and emotions in her work, drawing people in evocative contexts to trigger memories in the viewer.
Ana works by hand, combining techniques such as markers, pencils, and acrylics, and she enjoys all of them as much as she did as a child.
Her illustrations have appeared in international publications, including Vogue, The Washington Post, Allure, and GlamourSpain. She has also illustrated books such as Jane, Almudena, Escritoras, Girls Who Green the World, and many more.
Alongside her editorial work, Ana has collaborated with numerous brands, including Bombay Sapphire, Lululemon, Just Eat, Meliá, and FNAC, as well as with institutions including the city councils of Madrid, Paris, and Seville.
Related titles
Our top books, exclusive content and competitions. Straight to your inbox.
Thank you! Please check your inbox and confirm your email address to finish signing up.
