For more than half a century, Betjeman’s writings have awakened readers to the intimacy of English places – from the smell of gaslight in suburban churches, to the hissing of backwash on a shingle beach. Betjeman is England’s greatest topologist: whether he’s talking about a townhall or a teashop, he gets to the nub of what makes unexpected places unique. This new collection of his writings, arranged geographically, offers an essential gazetteer to the physical landmarks of Betjeman Country.
A new addition to the popular series of Betjeman anthologies, following on from Trains and Buttered Toast and Tennis Whites and Teacakes, this is a treasure trove for any Betjeman fan and for anyone with a love for the rare, curious and unique details of English life.
A new addition to the popular series of Betjeman anthologies, following on from Trains and Buttered Toast and Tennis Whites and Teacakes, this is a treasure trove for any Betjeman fan and for anyone with a love for the rare, curious and unique details of English life.
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Reviews
'Remarkable collection ... this is a real treat for any fan of Betjeman, and a testament to Games's remarkable research and reconstruction'
'The extracts published here capture the spirit and charm of the broadcasts and the places he explored for the camera years ago that can still be enjoyed today'
'Games has supplied an informative introduction ... Betjeman misxing charm and intimacy'
Betjeman combines sly humour with a deep love of Englishness'
'Striking package to match the previous collections in this series'
'Always thoughtful, always eloquent writing'
'The real joy of this book is the chance to remember Betjeman's keen eye, sense of fun and turn of phrase'
'Betjeman chronicles the English way of life in exquisite, affectionate and often hilarious detail'
'Betjeman was an original and a star'
'A new book out that proves a treasure house ... reader will, I'm sure, enjoy Betjeman's poems about his strolls through London ... an essential gazetteer to the attractive landmarks of dear old England of yesteryear'
'A poetic imagination, humour, and fierce appreciation of the past are all in evidence here.'
'Nobody writes more affectionately about Englishness than John Betjeman.'