More than just an anthology, WE BRITISH is a history of Britain told through its poetry.

Written by Britain's most celebrated political commentator for World Poetry Day.

This is the story of Britain told from inside. Hundreds of thousands of Britons over many centuries have left traces of what it was like to be them - letters, drawings, text messages, emails and social network exhibitionism. But unlike texts, emails or television, poetry allows people from distant times to talk directly to us, with nobody else getting in the way: a mediaeval ploughman, a Tudor drunk or a jilted Georgian woman can look us in the eyes.

What follows, then, is not a history of Britain in verse, but an epic story of what it was to be "British" - which means Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Northumbrian, Mercian as well as English.

Combining some of the greatest of our poetry, including poems far too little-known, with explanations and brief historical essays, WE BRITISH amounts to a surprising, uplifting journey towards a new way of thinking about who we have been and who we are.

About the Author

Andrew Marr is a former editor of the Independent and BBC Political Editor. He currently hosts BBC 1's Andrew Marr Show, and presented Radio 4's Start the Week from 2005 to 2012. His acclaimed television documentary series include Andrew Marr's History of Modern Britain and Andrew Marr's The Making of Modern Britain. He is also a hugely successful non-fiction author.

Reviews

'Triumphant' Paula Byrne

'An excellent idea' Sunday Times

'Chatty, personable and unafraid of the canon' New Statesman

Praise for Andrew Marr:

'Andrew Marr is a marvel' New Statesman

'Marr is the ideal history teacher that most people never had at school' Literary Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780008130893
Author Andrew Marr
Format Hardback
Page Count 670
Imprint Fourth Estate Ltd
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 990g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 159mm * 45mm