Visions of England
Or Why We Still Dream of a Place in the Country
Published on 6. September 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-09-954049-6 (ISBN)
Description
Why do we still get misty-eyed about England's green and pleasant land?
What explains our obsession with country houses - from the National Trust to Downton Abbey?
Why do we still dream of a place in the country?
In this delightul book Roy Strong explores the definition of Englishness. Celebrating our literature, music, art, gardening and drama, Strong identifies those icons and traditions that still speak to us - it is a vision of England that is inclusive and relevant for everybody living in the country today.
What explains our obsession with country houses - from the National Trust to Downton Abbey?
Why do we still dream of a place in the country?
In this delightul book Roy Strong explores the definition of Englishness. Celebrating our literature, music, art, gardening and drama, Strong identifies those icons and traditions that still speak to us - it is a vision of England that is inclusive and relevant for everybody living in the country today.
Reviews / Votes
"Compelling and essential... It is so uplifting to read... An answer, one among many, to the deconstructors and under-cutters of the very idea of Englishness... It is based on conviction and experience" * Financial Times * "We should be grateful to Sir Roy Strong for this book. It is an exploration of the themes that shape our sense of England: a meditation, a hymn, a road map" -- Clive Aslet * Country Life * "Insightful and provocative... Strong's emphasis on the pastoral tradition is a valuable reminder of the essential continuity that binds together English history" -- Dominic Sandbrook * Prospect * "For someone who would like to know what it is to feel identifiably English, Sir Roy provides a useful tour" -- Simon Heffer * Spectator *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Vintage Publishing
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
240 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-09-954049-6 (9780099540496)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
09/2012
1st Edition
Vintage Digital
€9.49
Available for download
Person
Sir Roy Strong was director of the National Portrait Gallery from 1967 to 1971 and director of the Victoria & Albert Museum from 1974 to 1987, when he became a full-time writer, broadcaster and consultant. His books include The Story of Britain, The Arts in Britain, Coronation: A History of Kingship and the British Monarchy and, most recently, A Little History of the English Country Church.