Britain Travel

A selection of travel writing and personal observations of England in the 1930s by the thriller writer, Victor Canning. AUTHOR: Victor Canning is best known as a thriller writer, though he also wrote historical romances and books for children. Over a writing career spanning 50 years, he wrote more than 60 books and over 80 short stories. Many of his books have been filmed. “Everyman’s England” is a collection of travel articles which were published in book form in 1936.

London is one of the great cities of Europe, a center of commerce, art, and science for more almost 2,000 years. Visitors today are treated to world-class museums, pulsing nightlife, and fine dining. But one does not have to search far beyond this prosperous and modern façade to glimpse an older and more unusual London; in fact everywhere one looks, ancient traditions and old patterns emerge.

This unlikely figure entered the rich man's world of polar exploration through an astonishing persistence and succeeded through the same quality. Shackleton's place in history is not the one he set out to make, but his extraordinary deeds have made his contributions to early exploration of Antarctica indelible. Despite the victor's wreath eventually going to another, Shackleton's name is essential to any discussion of Antarctic exploration, based on personal heroism more than logistical triumphs.

How much do you know about England? Whether you’re a citizen of the centre of the once-great empire or are simply interesting in visiting one day, join Charles King as he talks us through over 100 amazing facts about the spiritual home of Robin Hood, cricket and Henry VIII.

Ten must-visit locations in Great Britain.

Experience the pure sounds of the sea with this audio download, Waves: The Sounds of Britain's Shores. From the gentle lapping of water on a Cornish beach to the powerful crashing of waves on a rocky shore, this collection of recordings explores the idea that each beach has its own signature sound and demonstrates the contrasting nature of Britain's shoreline.

Geoffrey Fletcher's London was not the big landmarks, but rather 'the tawdry, extravagant and eccentric'. He wrote about parts of the city no-one ever had before. This could be an art nouveau pub, a Victorian music hall, a Hawksmoor church or even a public toilet in Holborn in which the attendant kept goldfish in the cisterns. He was drawn to the corners of the city where 'the kids swarm like ants and there are dogs everywhere'.

Oscar Wilde visited America in the year 1882. Interest in the Aesthetic School, of which Wilde was the most prominent representative, had spread to the United States, and Wilde decided to undertake an American lecture tour to explain the Aesthetic movement. Towards the end of September 1883 Wilde returned to England and immediately commenced a lecturing tour. His first visit was to Wandsworth Town Hall where he presented his "Impressions of America", the text of which was published in 1906.

A book for Welsh learners at the foundation level. In this book, Jon Gower takes the listener to 30 different locations connected to Wales' history. He explains why these places are important to Welsh history and describes their beauty and atmosphere in his own special way. Llyfr o gyfres Amdani, i ddysgwyr Lefel Sylfaen. Yn y llyfr hwn mae Jon Gower yn mynd â'r darllenydd i 30 o leoliadau sy'n gysylltiedig â hanes Cymru. Mae'n esbonio pam mae'r lleoliadau yn bwysig yn hanes Cymru, ac mae e'n disgrifio eu harddwch a'u naws yn ei ffordd arbennig ei hun.