Icons of England

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: David Rintoul, Barnaby Edwards, Ben Eagle, Terence Wilton, Sara Poyzer, Homer Todiwala, Leda Hodgson, Sara Novak

Brought to you by Penguin

This celebration of the English countryside does not only focus on the rolling green landscapes and magnificent monuments that set England apart from the rest of the world. Many of the contributors bring their own special touch, presenting a refreshingly eclectic variety of personal icons, from pub signs to seaside piers, from cattle grids to canal boats, and from village cricket to nimbies.

First published as a lavish colour coffeetable book, this new expanded edition has double the original number of contributions from many celebrities including Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry, Sebastian Faulks, Kate Adie, Kevin Spacey, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Richard Mabey , Simon Jenkins, John Sergeant, Benjamin Zephaniah, Joan Bakewell, Antony Beevor, Libby Purves, Jonathan Dimbleby, and many more: and a new preface by HRH Prince Charles.

© Bill Bryson 2011 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Critic reviews

An icon in itself, with essays from many great writers on their favourite English sights

bsolute must for Anglophiles of all ages... A delightfully wistful book, written with enormous affection

A collection of thought-provoking essays celebrating Britain's rural heritage

I enjoyed this book very much.

Bill Bryson has collected a delightful group of stories about British Icons. They reflect England’s rich history, varied landscape, and remarkable heritage.

These curated stories are amazing

I love hearing about people space and places that who they are today. Bill Bryson who creates these stories and he is a pure genius.

Think twice if you're expecting a Bryson book...

Some of the voice actors are clear while others are difficult to understand. Bad value.