Product Description

The pub has been the heart and soul of British life for centuries. But how has this unique institution changed over the last few hundred years? Paul Jennings traces the history of the British pub, and looks at how it evolved from the eighteenth century's coaching inns and humble alehouses, back-street beer houses and 'fine, flaring' gin palaces to the drinking establishments of the twenty-first century. Covering all aspects of pub life, this fascinating history covers pubs in cities and rural areas, seaports and industrial towns. It identifies trends and discusses architectural and internal design, the brewing and distilling industries and the cultural significance of drink in society. Looking at everything from music and games to opening times and how they have affected anti-social behaviour, "The Local" is a must-read for every self-respecting pub-goer, from landlady to lager-lout.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186375 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

About the Author
Paul Jennings is a university teacher at the School of Lifelong Education and Development in Bradford, where he has worked as a history tutor for fifteen years. He studied Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University before gaining his MPhil from Bradford University in 1982. He is a member of the Social History Society and lives in Harrogate.

Customer Reviews

An Intriguing Insight into the British Pub
The Local is a fascinating insight into the great British Pub and along with Chris Pitts's "Last Orders": Life as a Pub Landlord shows how important the Local Pub is to society and our way of life.