English: A Story of Marmite, Queuing and Weather

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title English: A Story of Marmite, Queuing and Weather
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Ben Fogle
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 129
Category/GenreHumour
ISBN/Barcode 9780008222284
ClassificationsDewey:306.0942
Audience
General
Illustrations (16-page plate section)

Publishing Details

Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Imprint William Collins
Publication Date 19 April 2018
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

What makes the English English? Is it their eccentricity, their passionate love (or, indeed, hatred) of Marmite - or is it something less easily defined? Beginning at the top of a muddy Gloucestershire slope at the Coopers Hill cheese-rolling contest and traversing a landscape of lawns and queues, coastlines and sporting arenas, Ben Fogle takes us on a journey through the peculiarly English: a country of wax jackets, cricket, boat races and jellied eels, by way of national treasures such as the shipping forecast, fish and chips and the Wellington boot. Not to mention the Dunkirk spirit of relentless optimism in the face of adversity, be it the heroic failure of Captain Scott's doomed Antarctic expedition, or simply the perennial hope for better weather. The archetypal Englishman - lover of labradors and Land Rovers yet holder of two passports - Ben applauds all things quintessentially English while also paying tribute to the history, culture and ideas adopted with such gusto that they have become part of the fabric of the country. Written with Ben's trademark warmth and wit, this is a light-hearted yet touching tribute to all things English.

Author Biography

Ben Fogle is a presenter, writer, adventurer and dog lover. His passion for animals and wildlife has taken him all over the world, and he has presented numerous programmes including the BBC's Animal Park, Wild in Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams. He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written numerous bestselling books. He campaigns tirelessly for conservation, the environment and animal welfare, is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontieres and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.

Reviews

'A pleasant and lyrical read' Guardian 'Written with wit and affection, this light-hearted, yet stirring narrative entertains and inspires with equal measure' Countryside Magazine Praise for Ben Fogle: 'Funny, entertaining and really rather inspiring, too' Daily Mail 'A great escapade told with refreshing frankness' Independent on Sunday 'Passionate and well-researched' Tatler 'Fogle's typical adventure-style storytelling keeps the narrative light and entertaining' Independent