Britannia Obscura

What is the shape of Britain? The country's outline, looking a little like a wingless dragon, is instantly recognisable on any map or globe. But jostling within that familiar profile are countless vying maps of the country. Some of these are founded on rock - or on the natural features of the land. But far more are built on dreams - on human activity, effort, and aspiration. Britannia Obscura is an exploration of just a few of these surprising hidden Britains. Through a series of meetings with figures such as the retired army colonel and ley-hunter John Christian, the horse-boater Sue Day, and the cave-explorer Dave Nixon, each of the book's five chapters focuses on how a different group or community imagines the land and our relationship with it.

An exploration of hidden Britain, a surprisingly large small island. Longlisted for the 2014 Thwaites Wainwright Prize What is the shape of Britain? The country's outline, looking a little like a wingless dragon, is instantly recognisable on any map or globe. But jostling within that familiar profile are countless vying maps of the country. Some of these are founded on rock -- or on the natural features of the land. But far more are built on dreams -- on human activity, effort, and aspiration. Britannia Obscura is an exploration of just a few of these surprising hidden Britains. Through a series of meetings with figures such as the retired army colonel and ley-hunter John Christian, the horse-boater Sue Day, and the cave-explorer Dave Nixon, each of the book's five chapters focuses on how a different group or community imagines the land and our relationship with it. On the megalith-hunter's map of Britain, the teeming metropolis of the country lies not in the South East, but rather amid the moors of its South West corner. The canal map of Britain reveals a land that takes four or five days to cross, and in which major transport routes lie forgotten beneath willowherb and litter. And on the ever-shifting and growing caver's map of Britain there are unknown regions still waiting to be discovered. Together, the book's chapters reveal that Britain is a country with countless competing centres and ceaselessly shifting borders -- a land where one person's sleepy, remote and unexceptional province will always be the busy heart of another's map. The book also demonstrates that when viewed through the right lenses, Britain is a surprisingly large small island, which a lifetime of exploration could never exhaust. Ultimately, Britannia Obscura is a book that aims to make its readers more familiar with Britain but also excited about the endless possibilities for surprise that lie just around familiar corners.

From ancient castles to the bright lights of Glasgow, the annual Edinburgh Festival to the fabled Loch Ness monster, a trip to Scotland promises a postcard-perfect, unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or bagpipe aficionado, traveling solo or with family, this user-friendly guide takes you to islands, Highlands, Lowlands and everything in between. You’ll discover how to get the most out of your time and your budget with: What to do and see in cities and regions including Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Central and West Highlands, the Hebridean Islands, and more Up-to-date advice on dining, shopping, and “doing the pub crawl” in Edinburgh and Glasgow Tips on experiencing Scotland by car, train, bus…and by boat to the islands! Handy listings of the best golf courses, historic castles, distilleries, pubs, and natural attractions Like every For Dummies travel guide, Scotland For Dummies, Second Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best restaurants and hotels for every budget Lots of detailed maps

Enjoy a county-by-county grand tour of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Isles. Experience all of what Britain has to offer with this guide to more than 1,000 sites -- from castles, stately homes, formal gardens, and museums to steam railways and memorabilia collections. Included is the very latest contact and price information.