Myths of the English

Newly published in paperback, Myths of the English is a fascinating exploration of Englishness: the images, characters, myths and peculiarities that have contributed to the self-image of a nation. 1. Gilbert & Sullivan:.

The Making and Un-making of a British `Tradition': David Cannadine.

2. Speaking with Double Tongue:.

Mother Goose and the Old Wives' Tale: Marina Warner.

3. The Fifth of November Remembered: David Cressy.

4. The Tramp: M. A. Crowther.

5. The English Bobby: .

An Indulgent Tradition: Clive Emsley.

6. Name upon Name:.

The Great War and Remembrance: Robert Bushaway.

7. Discretion, Sobriety and Wisdom:.

The Teacher in Children's Books: Margaret Kinnell.

8. Authority in the University:.

Balliol and Newnham in Loco Parentis: Reba Soffer.

9. The Gentleman and the Hero:.

Wellington and Napoleon in the 19th Century: Iain Pears.

10. Britishness and Portraiture: Trudi Prescott Nuding.

Notes on Contributors.

Index.

'Much fascinating scholarship is displayed by the authors of this book.' The Independent

'Idiosyncracies of the English heritage come brilliantly to light in this delightful excursion into cultural history.' The Good Book Guide

'Sparkling collection of essays.' The Guardian

'... An excellently conceived and potentially illuminating enterprise.' The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History

'These ten essays, concerned mainly with England over the past two and a half centuries, present contrasting and illuminating ways in which the English have seen themselves.' History

Roy Porter is currently working on The History of Hysteria. This book is a brilliant exploration of `Englishness': the images, characters, myths and peculiarities that have contributed to the self-image of a nation over the last few hundred years.

A distinguished group of historians provides a wide-ranging account of the institutions, traditions and emblems that have become central to the English sense of history and national identity. They focus on emotionally powerful and universally resonant images: Guy Fawkes' Night and Armistice Day, the ancient Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan and the English sense of humour, school stories for children, the British `bobby', the military hero and the public portrait. The contributors include Robert Bushaway, David Cannadine, David Cressy, M. A. Crowther, Clive Emsley, Margaret Kinnell, Iain Pears, Gertrude Prescott Nuding, Reba Soffer and Marina Warner.

Myths of the English is an outstanding account of the way the English have come to see themselves and their past.