Best Of British

Featuring hundreds of photographs, this lavishly illustrated guide to some of the most distinguished British brands takes a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at their enduring success. Classic style and British manufacturing are both experiencing a boom in demand—driven by a desire among consumers for authentic, quality products. Britain is uniquely placed to benefit from this resurgence, given the number of heritage companies still producing at the top of their game. From the world-famous Barbour in South Shields in the north of England to John Lobb in London, many of these fine businesses remain in family ownership, protective of their traditions and justifiably proud of their products. Many are the bearers of warrants from the British Royal family, and all are over 100 years old. Horst Friedrichs explores the historic places where these British brands have become some of the strongest in the world: Johnston’s of Elgin in the north of Scotland, Corgi socks in southern Wales, and John Smedley in Derbyshire. By highlighting the stories of these legendary brands—both new and old, grand and humble— Friedrichs and Crompton show how relevant these companies and their traditional production techniques still are. A Very British Heritage is a must-read for anyone that appreciates wellcrafted products and timeless style.

Takes readers on a trip down memory lane, toasting British triumphs in far-reaching spheres, including: great British symbols; famous British locations; the perfect cup of afternoon tea; the literature and artists of Britain; the Industrial Revolution; and, the best British quirks.

Having grown up in his parents’ gastropub, Jamie Oliver has always had a special place in his heart for British cooking. And in recent years there’s been an exciting revolution in the British food world in general. English chefs, producers, and artisans are retracing old recipes, rediscovering quality ingredients, and focusing on simplicity and quality. Jamie celebrates the best of the old and new (including classic British immigrant food) in his first cookbook focused on England. Here are over 130 great, easy-to-prepare recipes, ranging from salads—Heavenly Salmon and Epic Roast Chicken; to puddings—Rhubarb and Rice Pudding and Citrus Cheesecake Pots; to Sunday lunch—Guinness Lamb Shanks and Roast Quail Skewers; and, of course, the crumbliest scones. America has already fallen for the new British gastropub cooking, with popular restaurants by chefs such as April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig and the John Dory. Now Jamie shows how to make the same delicious food at home. This is definitely not your grandmother’s mushy peas!

"Isn't Downton Abbey better when you watch it with a friend? This book is every Anglophile's companion guide to the best British television to watch right now. No more wandering through your streaming services and guessing about which UK series you'd like best. In this guide you'll find information on more than 100 of your soon-to-be-favorite programs, including: how long it will take you to bingewatch each one, your favorite Brit actors and creators and their noteworthy performances, commentary on related shows that you might also enjoy, [and] must-know trivia. You'll also find insights from across the pond as co-authors Sarah Cords (the Yank) and Jackie Bailey (the Brit), chat over subjects of vital importance, like why British series are so much shorter than their American counterparts, what kind of sports are shown on British TV, and why there seem to be fewer guns in British programs (among many other topics). British TV is the best TV--and it's even better when you watch it with friends. Join us, won't you?"--

Master the most beloved recipes in British baking From fluffy Victoria sponges to sausage rolls, the flavors of British baking are some of the most famous in the world. Learn how to create classic British treats at home with the fresh, from-scratch, delicious recipes in The Best of British Baking. Eat your way across the UK--Discover a baking book that features recipes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with trivia and stories that highlight their history. Sweet and savory choices--Get ready to bake off 60 authentically British recipes that include the frothy and sugary as well as the hearty and satisfying. Techniques and tips--Find measurements in both weight and volume (as well as metric and imperial), with clear instructions and advice for achieving the perfect bake. Turn any kitchen into a great British bake off with this whimsical baking recipe book.

From the Battle of Hastings to the Battle of Bosworth Field, Nicholas Vincent tells the story of how Britain was born. When William, Duke of Normandy, killed King Harold and seized the throne of England, England's language, culture, politics and law were transformed. Over the next four hundred years, under royal dynasties that looked principally to France for inspiration and ideas, an English identity was born, based in part upon struggle for control over the other parts of the British Isles (Scotland, Wales and Ireland), in part upon rivalry with the kings of France. From these struggles emerged English law and an English Parliament, the English language, English humour and England's first overseas empires. In this thrilling and accessible account, Nicholas Vincent not only tells the story of the rise and fall of dynasties, but investigates the lives and obsessions of a host of lesser men and women, from archbishops to peasants, and from soldiers to scholars, upon whose enterprise the social and intellectual foundations of Englishness now rest. This the first book in the four volume Brief History of Britain which brings together some of the leading historians to tell our nation's story from the Norman Conquest of 1066 to the present-day. Combining the latest research with accessible and entertaining story telling, it is the ideal introduction for students and general readers.