Remote Britain: Landscape, People and Books

Remote Britain relishes the ever-changing great landscapes of our island and the people who grow out of them. And the constant surprises. Who realises how sharp are the contrasts to be found within the Isles of Scilly or the Isle of Wight, how remote it is possible to feel in Essex, or how extraordinary is 'Yorkshire's teardrop', Spurn Point, way out in the Humber estuary? As in his acclaimed Journey Through Britain to which this is a worthy successor, Mr Thomas finds remains of railways and even active steam trains in the most unlikely of places, stays in hotels to fall in love with or to hate, and is never short of people to express their own views, as he does colourfully himself in chapters such as In the Footsteps of the Queen Mother. Here is a book to dip into, savour and refer to many times.

Table of Contents:
Remote Britain: The Land of Common Sense The holistic life and enterprise in the countryside In the Footsteps of the Queen Mother Islands galore from the Scillies to the Shetlands, the Isle of Wight to the Western Isles Early Christian sites and monasteries Commercial publishing and self-publishing The everlasting onslaught of the sea Hotels and cafes from heaven and hell Newspapers and magazines Being remote in London and Essex Characters extraordinaire growing out of their landscape Coastal, wetland, hilly and peninsular Britain National parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Country industries and crafts To the most eerie place in Britain Railways, ferries, bus and air services Belonging to be: the great individuality of place Too few, too many people

About the Author :
David St John Thomas is the author of many books, including a bestselling series chronicling the four big railway companies. He is the founder of the publishing house David & Charles, which he ran for 30 years.

Review :
A fascinating romp through Britain with its snapshots of remote places... This is a great book to dip into for some armchair travelling or to spur you to get out there - if you need to escape that is. Orkney Today Thomas proves an enjoyable guide in this affable ramble through the least popular parts of the British Isles, sharing reflections and opinions on all manner of subjects as he tours places and attractions that are shunned by the more conventional, bucket-and-spade toting holiday hordes. Scottish Field The author has the charm of a curious man looking back over a long and busy life. His love of his subject matter is infectious. His blue remembered hills are, we are pleased to learn, still here for future generations to explore. Scotsman David St John Thomas is a writer fascinated by exotic historical touches and the way people live and work and throughout this book he spreads his enthusiasm of these to the reader... His honest approach and opinions are well received. Cornwall Today Reading it is rather like travelling round the British Isles with an entertaining and very knowlegeable guide who knows all the best spots to head for, and who provides a wealth of information about each stop along the way... With such a variety of subject matter, the book has something for readers of all ages and interests, and would form the ideal basis for a TV documentary with a difference. It is a volume to keep close at hand and delve into over and over again. Aberdeen Press & Journal Not so much a travel guide, more a story of one man's experiences while travelling in some of the more out of the way places, this book contains fascinating stories and constant surprises. Cornwall Life Finding local places mentioned in a book covering the whole country always adds extra spice to your reading. Hull Daily Mail Definitely a volume to be dipped into time and time again. As well as reflections on places and people, there is a lot about the nature of Britain and the British in the widest sense - a natural philosophy of our country if you like, and that is always something worth returning to. TGO: The Great Outdoors The general tone of 'Remote Britain' is the art of a popular travel book, light but not superficial, informative but not didactic. A book that will give pleasure to many, particularly railway enthusiasts, and is to be recommended. Friends of the National Railway Museum Such a delightfully distinctive guide heartily celebrates individuality in every guise, the emphasis placed on enjoying one's travels with less focus on the doing and more on the simply being; in itself, this reflects the book's contemplative spirit. Good Book Guide