Page 86 - All About History - Issue 28-15

REVIEWS

All About History on the books, TV shows and

films causing a stir in the history world

BIZARRE ENGLAND Mad about the British
Author David Long Publisher Michael O’Mara Books Limited Price £9.99 Released Out now

herearequite afewthingsthat labour of love for Long, his pa
the British are renowned for: is absolutely tangible through
cups of tea, bad teeth, constantly book,andthehumouristotal
apologising – and for being and typically British.
T that little bit… eccentric. David At points the book feels m
Long, the author of Bizarre England, apetprojectthanapublished
isawriterandjournalistwithareal It is peppered with Long’s per
passion for documenting the quirkier – in particular, a section in ‘Vi
side of society through the years gone England’ entitled Private Parts
by.Fromarchitectureandaristocracyto (predictably listing rude town
sportsandsecrets,Longdelvesintothe such as Scratchy Bottom in D
depthsofBritishhistorytoshedsome BrownWillyinCornwall)cha
lightonthemoreuniqueaspectsofour rather endearing schoolboy hu
colourful past. Jokingaside,thereareafew
It’sactuallyareallyfunread, serious facts throughout the b
brimming with interesting and including a chapter entitled ‘S
amusing anecdotes from years gone by. England’, which reveals some
Rather than following a conventional best-kept mysteries about Brit
chronological organisation, Long has including vast underground tu
split the book into 18 separate chapters and a Parcelforce depot in Ken
each covering a different topic, ranging ofwithstandinganatomicbo
from the natural world to inventions, For such a fascinating book
transportation and education. Each it’s a shame that there are no
factinthebookisconcise,interesting illustrations to accompany any
andmemorable–youwillfindyourself themorevisualfacts.Yes,the
blurting out these little-known wonderful little illustrations a
anecdotes at any given opportunity. of each chapter, but it would h
Of particular amusement is a double- a welcome addition to actually
page spread in the chapter entitled some of the quirkier facts pin-
‘Sporting England’, devoted to quotes of on a map, or to see elements t
now-retired motorsport commentator describes, such as the ‘House
MurrayWalker.Includingsuchclassics Sea’ in Newquay.
as: “Excuse me while I interrupt Yet, for its lack of visual ref
myself,”and“theleadcarisabsolutely Bizarre England isareallywo
unique except for the one behind it, read.Inaworldwhereweofte
which is identical,” it’s impossible to everything for granted around
holdbackachuckle. provides a wonderfully fascin “Long delves into the depths of British
Infact,thishumoroustoneis book that awakens your child
characteristicoftherestofthebook, curiosity and keeps you turni history to shed some light on the more
as Long injects his own dry wit after page.
into almost every fact. Very much a Philippa Grafton unique aspects of our colourful past”
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