- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Fourth Estate (1 Oct 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007258488
- ISBN-13: 978-0007258482
- Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 13.8 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 214,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'As Bingham shows so intelligently and so well, we have a lot to be proud of.' Mail on Sunday
‘Fascinating…the author conveys a huge amount of history and fact with the lightest of touches to make a most readable and enjoyable book.' Church Review
Review
'As Bingham shows so intelligently and so well, we have a lot to be proud of.' Mail on Sunday 'A great read.' Publishing News 'Packed with odd, fascinating information.' Metro 'An easy and enjoyable read.' Oxford Times '[A] readable romp through our history.' The Lady 'Fascinating!the author conveys a huge amount of history and fact with the lightest of touches to make a most readable and enjoyable book.' Church Review
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was unsure at first as to why this had been given one star by another reviewer but all was made clear when I realised they were a huge Little Britain fan (TV series) and were obviously put out that this book had nothing to do with it. I found it to be a great read and the title isn't confusing - the term 'little Britain' has been used in Britain itself for years before the TV show was created (and yes it's a great show, I agree)so it's not an attempt to 'cash in' . Buy this for itself and not because it sounds similar to something else.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This Little Britain, Harry Bingham's book is brilliant and not just because his essays within each chapter are the prefect length for a bedtime read. It's described by the publisher (4th Estate) as "Celebratory, witty and incredibly insightful", for once the book lives up to the blurb. Yes but what's it about? Well, it's not about the TV series, which I'm probably one of the few people in Britain, under the age of 65, who doesn't find it funny. It "explores the eccentricities and customs of the British nation in a bid to answer a question - who we are." But much more than that it is a super history lesson on all sorts of cultural and historical backwaters as well as BIG topics including slavery for example. By exploring language, literature, law, war, science, economics, empire, and lifestyle Harry proves, at least to my satisfaction, why Britain is such an important nation.
There is none of rhetoric that Gordon Brown's fond of spouting on Britain, it is far too factual. And while Harry does poke fun at some of the things that we've done or been involved in as a nation he does it with a light touch and doesn't get involved in revisionist ranting. The underlying theme of the book is exceptionalism, that is to say how Britain is different from the rest of the world; not for the sake of being different- but just `cos we are.
I'm a great fan of quirky and `This Little Britain' delvers in spades, however, don't think for one minute that you won't learn a lot from a few nights in bed with Harry Bingham.
There is none of rhetoric that Gordon Brown's fond of spouting on Britain, it is far too factual. And while Harry does poke fun at some of the things that we've done or been involved in as a nation he does it with a light touch and doesn't get involved in revisionist ranting. The underlying theme of the book is exceptionalism, that is to say how Britain is different from the rest of the world; not for the sake of being different- but just `cos we are.
I'm a great fan of quirky and `This Little Britain' delvers in spades, however, don't think for one minute that you won't learn a lot from a few nights in bed with Harry Bingham.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This Little Britain is undoubtedly one of the best non-fiction books of the year, and definitely a good Christmas present for anyone at all interested in British culture. Much more than a novelty book, it is an intelligent work of non-fiction presented in refreshingly readable (and often humorous) bite-size chunks. The small sections make it a perfect companion in any situation where you need a moment's diversion. I found myself taking it everywhere: to bed, on the bus, and even in the bath! Having said that, it presents such a compelling central message as to hold your attention for longer periods of time. This Little Britain doesn't shy away from looking at the less honourable sides of British history, ranging from warfare to yob culture, but you cannot escape a feeling of discovery, amazement, and almost indignation, as you realise just how under-reported and varied Britain's achievements are.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Priceless
Very interesting and I was amazed at how much my country had given to the rest of the world. His explanations especially of our unwritten constitution and laws were... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sharpshooter
Surprisingly Good
Unlike another reviewer, I did not find this book jingoistic - although I expected to. History is not my strong point, but the author makes a strong case for Britain's role as a... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ms. K. E. Glaisher
jingoistic nonsense
I can sum this up in one word: sickening.
Don't buy this unless you enjoy the smug feeling that comes from being told we little Brits are Top Nation.
Don't buy this unless you enjoy the smug feeling that comes from being told we little Brits are Top Nation.
Published 12 months ago by P. Foster
disappointing
Some chapters are very interesting, other quite dull - and for a book about Britain's successes it's a shame that an American spell checker has been used throughout - lots of 'z's... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2009 by M. Ward
Excellent book - a must read for the whole UK.
I have just finished reading this amazing book: "This Little
Britain" and have learned such a lot in the process. Read more
Britain" and have learned such a lot in the process. Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2008 by Spycatcher007
Best Book Ever!
"This Little Britain" is one of the best books I have read - not only on history but on most other subjects as well! Read more
Published on 7 Dec 2007 by Book Boy
A fabulous read!
This has to be one of the best historical reads I have ever encountered. I wlll be buying this for my dad this christmas!
Published on 1 Dec 2007 by Charlie
a top read
I found this book warm, engaging, and wonderfully informative about aspects of our history which I had previously no idea of at all. It's also beautifully written. Read more
Published on 26 Nov 2007 by Suzanna Moore
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