The British on holiday: how can four simple words evoke so many vivid images, images of raw sunburn and relentless rain, of John Bull's Pub (in Lanzarote) and Antonio's Tapas Bar (in Torquay), of endless queues to get through security at Manchester Airport, or Gatwick, or Glasgow, or Luton, and endless tailbacks on the M5, or M6, or M25, but also images of carefree sploshing in Portuguese swimming-pools and lazy lunches in the Provencal sun? In this funny, acutely observed and engaging social history, Brian Viner celebrates the holidaying British, with their quirks and their quinine tablets, and their blithe assumption that the elderly man selling oranges at the roadside in Corfu, so photogenic with his walnut face and three teeth, must surely understand just a few, uncomplicated English sentences. He examines the fortnight-long cruise at one end of the holiday spectrum, and a day's rambling in the Lake District at the other. He looks at how the holidaying British evolved into the big-spending, many-headed beast we know today, by recalling not only the holidays that we took as children, but the holidays our grandparents, and their grandparents, took. It is a story that connects Blackpool with Barcelona, Mauritius with Margate. It is a story, indeed, that connects us all.
Cream Teas, Traffic Jams and Sunburn
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About the Author
Brian Viner was born in 1961 and grew up in Southport, Lancashire. He was the Mail on Sunday's award-winning television critic between 1995 and 1999, since when he has been a columnist on the Independent. He lives with his family in Herefordshire.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By P Gregory
Format:Paperback
Cream teas....etc. is a really informative, interesting and incredibly funny book. It evokes memories, of past holidays; the highs and lows of getting there, and surviving. Brian Viner is an entertaining writer, and makes even the most mundane facts, interesting by his personal anecdotes...and those of friends and family. The book revived memories of long forgotten holiday incidents, some enjoyable, some devastating. A memorable read, worthy of 'dipping into' for years to come. Will recommend to my Reading Group.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Peco59
Format:Paperback
This was my first Brian Viner offering and what an entertaining and informative book it was. I honestly never thought that I would find an author that would make me laugh out loud, in the way Bill Bryson has over the years, but Brian Viner certainly did. I have read this book in the USA and found it refreshing that the author chose not to jump on the bandwagon in bashing America, or indeed Americans, except where justly deserved and furthermore, affording similar treatment to Great Britain and its inhabitants. So in a nutshell, if you are a seasoned traveller, who likes to relate to many of the scenarios and also to be informed of areas you don't, you will love this book.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By AWalker
Format:Paperback
I thoroughly enjoy Brian's column and really liked his earlier books. This one combines interesting history with lots of fun stories along the way. If you like Bill Bryson, you'll like this. Thanks Brian!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crackin read!
Absolutely loved this book! When I first started it I got the feeling it was going to be a bit too historic. Read more
Published 2 days ago by AD Pooler
5.0 out of 5 stars
amusing
Brian Viner used to write regularly in the Independent and I have several of his books. He writes well and humourously and I have several of his books. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. J. Newbould
5.0 out of 5 stars
Holidays
A super review of the revolutioon that has taken place in our approach o holidays and how it all happened # told with insight and humour.
Published 4 months ago by Mick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super book!
Great fun this book. Takes one right back to days on the beach and sand in the sandwiches. Very nostalgic and really enjoyable
Published 4 months ago by Cleo B
4.0 out of 5 stars
Her Majesty's subjects hit the road
"The politics and power shifts of the girls' weekend away would do justice to a G8 summit and, good friends though they all are, there is evidently always a moment when Friend A is... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Joseph Haschka
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good, well worth a read
A book about the Great British Holiday and the Great British on holiday.
For all those who have battled with putting a tent up in a howling gales and rain in August or... Read more
For all those who have battled with putting a tent up in a howling gales and rain in August or... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Half Man, Half Book
4.0 out of 5 stars
Holiday Reading
This book is a good laugh and a must for anyone who enjoys going on holiday and traveling.
A very good book to take away with you. Read more
A very good book to take away with you. Read more
Published 10 months ago by sarah anne
5.0 out of 5 stars
A riveting holiday read.
I re purchased this book recently, as I lent my own copy to a 'friend,' and havent seen it since. That's how good it is! Read more
Published 14 months ago by Jan Fox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect Present
A friend bought this book for me, knowing that I was already a big fan of Brian Viner's writing. It's a wonderful read, as I'd expect - funny, engaging and informative. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Sally
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
Have read all of Brian Viner's previous books, all very good, in fact "Ali, Pele, Lillee & Me" is among one of the best books I have ever read, however this book just grated with... Read more
Published 20 months ago by M. Reynolds
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