A Sunday Times Book of the Week and Top 10 Bestseller A Times bestseller A Waterstones Paperback of the Year 2024 A Spectator Book of the Year What kind of country is England today? What does it mean to be English? Are we hungry for change or seeking old certainties? Join Stuart Maconie on an enlightening, entertaining journey through England, from Bristol's Banksy to Durham's beaches, from Cotswolds corduroy to Stoke's oatcakes. As his guide, Maconie walks in the footsteps of J.B. Priestley's classic travelogue, English Journey, to explore our national identity and how it has evolved over the last century. On his way, Stuart takes inspiration from the people he meets at bus stops and train stations, cafes and corner shops. Travelling the length of the land, Maconie explores the differences between city and town, north and south, and examines our past and present with affection and insight. Whether he's passing the boutique hotels of Manchester, the moors of Ilkley or the grand houses of Tynemouth, looking out over misty fens or urban skylines, he shines a light on the people who make these places and asks what the future holds for them. Along the way, he uncovers local heroes and secret histories over early breakfasts and last orders.
Through his journey, he lets us see our homes and habits, hopes and eccentricities with fresh eyes. The Full English challenges us to embrace the messy, shifting and diverse nature of England, and to ask ourselves what kind of country we want to be. Gold title One of Britain's best-loved and best-selling travel writers, author of the 250k copy bestseller 'Pies and Prejudice' Juxtaposes the England of Priestley's 1930s with the present day. Maconie skillfully interlaces historical anecdotes, personal reflections, and humorous observations, offering readers a rich tapestry that reflects the evolution of English society. Explores the rich regional diversity of England as Maconie travels through bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, and lesser-known corners of the country. 'The Full English' paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted nature of England, celebrating its differences and shared experiences. Investigates how the concept of Englishness has evolved and how individuals and communities grapple with their sense of identity in changing times. 'The Full English' is poised to become a contemporary classic.
Maconie's skillful storytelling, combined with his deep respect for the source material, ensures that this book is not just a retreading of the past but a vibrant and relevant exploration of the present. Author has 150k Twitter followers as @StuartMaconie An experienced TV and radio broadcaster and public speaker Paperback publishing in the year of the 90th anniversary of the book that inspired this one: J. B. Priestley's 'English Journey' Supported by a national campaign, book tour and extensive publicity. Competition: The North;Notes From a Small Island;The Shortest History of England;The Road to Wigan Pier;Northerners;Landlines;An Inspector Calls;Black and British. By;Paul Morley;Bill Bryson;Robert Tombs;James Hawes;George Orwell;J. B. Priestley;Kate Fox;Simon Jenkins;Ian McMillan;Brian Groom;Raynor Winn;Ian Dale.