A272: An Ode to a Road [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Titles don't come any less inspiring than A272. But Pieter Boogaart's ode is not so much to the road itself but to the sights that can be found on either side. The A272 "represents England", the author explains in his preface. "It captures the Englishness of English life." Though born in the Netherlands, Pieter Boogaart developed Anglophilia at an early age, going on to teach English language and literature for 20 years. English roads, he believes, are beautiful, the A272 in particular. It weaves its way from Poundford in East Sussex 90 miles west--between two sets of hills, the North and South Downs--to Stockbridge in Hampshire.

The introduction begins with a fascinating analysis of roads in general, telling of connections between settlements, and of England's early occupation by the Angles and the Saxons. Travel among peasants was rare, and even as late as the 16th Century travel remained unpopular to all but the very rich. This, for good or bad, is no longer the case, with hundreds of thousands of cars using the A272 every day.

The book's layout is a little confusing, with each page divided into five sections. Columns to the left and right contain notes (biographical details, stories, poems, technical terms), the upper and lower sections describe sights found up to seven miles north and south of the road respectively, while the central section describes a high-spirited journey along the road itself. Although the subject matter might not initially appeal, Boogaart's enthusiasm is infectious. Colour photographs illustrate every page, showing sights as varied as Wisborough Green church, the gardens of Nymans and the Cheesefoot Head crop circles.--Daren King

'Fantabulous' John McCarthy, Excess Baggage 'Astonishing' Jeremy Paxman, Newsnight 'Delightful' Woman's Hour 'Remarkable' Daily Telegraph 'Extraordinary' The Independent 'One of the most original, crazy, informative and enjoyable books ever' Sarah Anderson, The Travel Bookshop 'Rather wonderful' Iain Sinclair 'A bound folly' Art Quarterly 'The most eccentric and fascinating guidebook we have ever seen' John Sandoe Bookshop 'Road all about it!' The Sun --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

The A272 is the epitome of England, crossing the heartland of the southern Home Counties from Poundford in East Sussex to Winchester. It runs through some of the most beautiful and historical landscapes in the country. Pieter Boogaart travels the length of the A272 exploring, probing, commenting, meeting extraordinary buildings, people, history, and follies. His book covers the road itself, as well as everything of interest ten miles north and ten miles south. It a practical and easy to use guidebook, ideal for any journey, however short, along this beautiful road. Lavishly illustrated in color, this is a book for anyone who loves exploring England, either on the road or from home.

Pieter and Rita Boogaart live in Eindhoven. Well known in the world of follies, their love letter to the A272 has become a classic of English travel writing. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.