Product Description

Accompanying a major new "BBC1" series presented by Alan Titchmarsh, "British Isles: A Natural History" is a fascinating journey through the natural history of Britain, from its birth to the present day. Written in Alan's uniquely readable style, the book chronicles the different periods in Britain's evolution, exploring everything from the geology and geography to the flora and fauna that make up the diverse landscapes of the British Isles. It also includes a gazetteer section detailing where you can explore for yourself Britain's natural treasures. Beautifully illustrated with 180 colour photographs, it will appeal to natural history enthusiasts and everyone who cares about the country they live in. The book contains the latest research gathered in the making of this new landmark series from the BBC's NHU in Bristol. Alan Titchmarsh is a bestselling BBC author and has sold over a million copies of his books, which include "How To Be A Gardener" 1 and 2 and "Royal Gardeners".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106619 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-01
• Released on: 2004-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 216 pages

Customer Reviews

Great illustrations, a bit short on detail
A difficult book to review, and for all the wrong reasons. Firstly, the subject matter is fascinating and there is much to commend the book in terms of the quality of its (profuse) illustration. The television series was excellent, its photography and animation simply stunning at times. However, the book does not live up to the quality and scale of the TV production. It offers a safe, general discussion of the emergence of the British Isles as a geographical fact, then goes on to offer a compressed potted history of the first settlers, emergence of a rural society, and the process of urbanisation and social change which has helped shape the landscape.

It's all very interesting, and the book does provide quite an engaging narrative. But the words seem sparse, lost amidst the illustrations. As an introduction to the history, prehistory, and geology of the British Isles, it is, in places, too short and too simplistic. The book lacks the graphic quality of the television presentation.

Now, quite clearly Alan Titchmarsh has put his name to this volume. He seems a nice, genuine bloke, and there's no doubt he knows about gardening. If I were to buy a book on gardening, I'd probably look at something by him. But if I read a book about the geology of the British Isles, I want it written by a geologist. If I read a book about the history of the British Isles, I want it written by an historian. Simply taking a 'celebrity' and sticking his name below the title seems cheap and exploitative of the general public.

Anyone truly interested in this subject would be much better advised looking at Hoskins' "The Making of the English Landscape" (a recognised classic), or any of the excellent titles by Richard Muir - say his "Landscape Detective: Discovering a Countryside". Unfortunately, you get the impression that the BBC decided that this was a potentially boring subject, but if they could get someone as cuddly and popular as Alan, the public would stay in and watch it ... then rush out and buy the book. It's disappointing, and if you compare this publication with any of Richard Muir's books, you'll realise where value for money lies ... unless, of course, you simply want a pretty looking book. Mind you, Muir's books are well illustrated, too!

It is a nice, safe, good little introduction to the subject, and maybe it will sow the seeds of interest in a few people ... but it is just a little short of the excellence you expect from the BBC.

British Isles
I have to disagree with the other review. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and the book is an added bonus, taking the story on further and written in a clear, informative and engaging way. I found the subject fascinating and wanted to read more about it but I don't want to read an academic tome on geology. This book is a perfect compromise of education and enjoyment. The illustrations are also wonderful and add extra interest - it's a book that may make its way under the Christmas tree in a few of my friends' houses!

Great review of UK for people Overseas
Being from Australia, I've only been to London a few times. This series really opened up my eyes to the history of the island and also some of the natural places which I really was not aware of.

The presenter did a great job, and some very interesting themes were put forward.

I really enjoyed the soundtrack as well, and wish it would be released.

A very enjoyable series and I would highly recommend it to anyone!