These Isles

An inventive new look at the entwined histories of Britain and Ireland’s nations – and the people who have called them home.

Brian Groom, author of the bestselling Northerners, reveals a colourful and often-contested story of the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans and others who have occupied these islands, along with their culture, languages and passions.

Groom explores the role of religion and the British Empire, international diasporas and internal migration, gender relations and war in this entertaining narrative.

With forays into popular culture, sport, music, language, literature and art, These Isles stretches from 800,000-year-old footprints on a Norfolk beach to the changing fortunes of the early 21st century. It offers a uniquely rich and kaleidoscopic vision of the shared stories of people across Britain and Ireland – past and present.

Reviews

'Brian Groom’s whistlestop reminder of the tensions which have always existed between the peoples of these isles could hardly be more timely.' James Hawes

'At last a history of the peoples of Britain in the plural, long overdue.' Simon Jenkins

'Brian Groom's fascinating history tells a rich story of emigration and immigration, of the constant intermingling and merging of peoples and cultures, and of periodic conflicts. It's an eloquent, well-researched narrative that provides a vital rebuke to the extremists now claiming ownership of national flags.' Philip Stephens

Praise for Brian Groom’s Northerners…

‘Entertaining and informative. … Avoids sentimentality and stereotypes. … Groom keeps his history admirably down to earth.’ The Times, Book of the Week

‘A definitive new chronicle of the region, the first to appear this century.’ The Mirror

‘Groom’s chronicling of northern setbacks is urbane rather than indignant. … Comprehensive and highly readable.’ Financial Times

‘This is a huge book, in which the author slips seamlessly and triumphantly from one subject to another.’ Literary Review

‘Hugely impressive.’ Big Issue

‘A rich and kaleidoscopic history of a region, its landscape, industries, culture and people. Northerners is rigorous, digressive, discursive, always entertaining and enlightening, as full of good things as the North itself.’ Stuart Maconie

‘A wonderful compendium of the North’s proud, deep, ancient otherness.’ James Hawes

‘An essential writer on politics and business and a tireless champion of the north.’ George Parker

‘A measured and essential voice in these compromised times.’ Adam Boulton

‘Few people are better placed to write the story of northerners. One of journalism’s most astute observers of the state of Britain.’ Helen Pidd

‘Brian Groom is one of the leading experts on Britain’s regions and nations and a perceptive analyst.’ Duncan Weldon

‘Panoramic, authoritative and a beautiful read.’ Sebastian Payne