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Building Britannia offers a captivating journey through British history, as seen through the lens of twenty-five remarkable structures. From the ancient Iron Age fortifications of Maiden Castle to the modern marvel of the Gherkin, this ambitious chronicle weaves together social, political, and economic narratives, all anchored in the nation's architectural heritage.
Steven Parissien masterfully explores how Britain's evolving national identity has been reflected in its built environment. Each carefully chosen edifice serves as a window into a particular era, revealing fascinating stories and insights. The author not only examines the original purpose and significance of these structures but also delves into how subsequent generations have utilised them to reshape and mythologise British history.
Alongside expected inclusions such as the Roman baths at Aquae Sulis and the Gothic splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, Parissien introduces some surprising choices. These unexpected gems, including a Regency-era Manchester pub and one of Britain's oldest working cinemas in Notting Hill, offer fresh perspectives on often overlooked aspects of social history.
Building Britannia is more than a mere architectural survey; it's a compelling exploration of the nation's story told through bricks and mortar. By finding meaning and fascination in both the iconic and the everyday, Parissien presents a unique and engaging portrait of Britain's rich cultural tapestry.
Book ISBN: | 9781801108751 |
Book Weight: | 1126g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’