A special hardcover edition to celebrate the phenomenal success of Bill Bryson's bestselling eulogy to Britain.After nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson took the decision to move Mrs Bryson, little Jimmy et al. back to the States for a while. But before leaving his much-loved Yorkshire, Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around old Blighty, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had for so long been his home. The resulting book was a eulogy to the country that produced Marmite, George Formby, by-elections, milky tea, place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey and Shellow Bowells, Gardeners' Question Time and people who say 'Mustn't grumble.' Britain would never seem the same again.Since it was first published in 1995, Notes from a Small Island has never been far from the top of the bestsellers lists, and has sold over one and a half million copies. …
A special hardcover edition to celebrate the phenomenal success of Bill Bryson's bestselling eulogy to Britain.After nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson took the decision to move Mrs Bryson, little Jimmy et al. back to the States for a while. But before leaving his much-loved Yorkshire, Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around old Blighty, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had for so long been his home. The resulting book was a eulogy to the country that produced Marmite, George Formby, by-elections, milky tea, place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey and Shellow Bowells, Gardeners' Question Time and people who say 'Mustn't grumble.' Britain would never seem the same again.Since it was first published in 1995, Notes from a Small Island has never been far from the top of the bestsellers lists, and has sold over one and a half million copies. This special hardcover edition is published to mark the book's unique place in the hearts of readers around the world and to celebrate Bill Bryson's standing as the best-loved travel writer and humorist of our day.Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. He settled in England in 1977, and lived for many years with his English wife and four children in North Yorkshire. He and his family now live in America. He is theAfter nearly two decades in Britain, Bill Bryson took the decision to move Mrs Bryson, little Jimmy et al back to the States for a while. But before leaving his much-loved Yorkshire Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around old Blighty, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had for so long been his home. The resulting book was a eulogy to the country that produced Marmite, George Formby, by-elections, milky tea, places names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey and Shellow Bowells, Gardeners' Question Time and people who say 'Mustn't grumble'. Britain would never seem the same again.Since it was first published in 1995, NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND has never been far from the top of the bestseller lists, and has sold over one and a half million copies. This special hardcover eidtion is published to mark the book's unique place in the hearts of readers around the world and to celebrate Bill Bryson's standing as the best-loved travel writer and humorist of our day.
A very funny look at Great Britain by an American. For some strange reason, Brits generally like this book, though of course Bryson's US-centric look at things tends to annoy.
Nevertheless, there are some laugh-out-loud moments, many smiles and chuckles, and an overall sympathetic feeling.
Endearing, but I wasn’t swept from my feet or moved to new points of view.
Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," remains one of my favorite travel books, and so I was surprised that this reads like a snarky, blow-by-blow Yelp review of England. Cities I've only heard about in British television shows, he's visited and has a cynical anecdote about some aspect of its architecture, people, or history.
Not to say his stories aren't interesting or untrue, but I found myself reluctant to pick up this book, because reading it is like visiting that crotchety loved one to whose rants your most enthusiastic reply is "Interesting," "Oh Really?" or "Hmmm."
I think it's a little bit dated now but a nice nostalgic read in places and I do like Bryson's writing in general.
Full review on blog: curiositykilledthebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/notes-from-small-island.html
Quite amusing.
