The Lie of the Land

The Lie of the Land Synopsis

There remains a pervasive belief that Britain is one of the finest, strongest, most important countries in the world. In this book, acclaimed historian Richard Davenport-Hines asks whether Britain's reputation matches up to the facts.When Winston Churchill returned as a peace-time prime minister in 1951, it was with the unchallenged understanding that Britain's was a leading example of everything from democracy to the free press, from personal morality to economic strength.In this book, award-winning historian Richard Davenport-Hines looks closely at how Britain's reputation and national identity have matched up the the facts. In 1951, was Britain exceptional? If so, what traits - or 'British values' - have survived since?Told through the stories of real people - MPs, vicars, bobbies on the street, shopkeepers and vulnerable minorities - this is a history of the real Britain that speaks to our current moment. When national identity is in crisis, when institutions feel under-resourced and when big decisions are being asked regarding the UK's priorities, we must face the reality of our current nature and place in the world. What are the myths of British achievement, and what are the realities?