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You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on
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A Traveller's History of England
by Christopher Daniell
Historian and archeologist Daniell delivers a comprehensive history of the region since the time of the hunter-gatherers in this compact volume, taking you through the Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans, and Medieval monarchs to the Reformation, Renaissance, the world wars and the modern state of things.
Gloucester & Cheltenham Walker's Map
by Ordnance Survey
Great for outdoor activities like walking and hiking, this British-produced map is printed in amazing detail. Scaled at 1:25,000 (2.5 inches equals one mile).
In Search of England
by H.V. Morton, Jan Morris (Introduction)
The much-beloved, enduring account of Morton's ramblings through the English countryside in the early days of the motorcar. Morton charmingly mixes a deep appreciation of the art, culture and history of the place with his own keen observations.
England and Wales
by Freytag & Berndt
A colorful, double-sided map of England and Wales at a scale of 1:400,000.
Insight Guide England
by Insight Guides
This lavishly illustrated guide includes excellent color maps and thoughtful short essys on history, culture and attractions.
Great Gardens of Britain
by Helena Attlee
A photographic tour through 20 of the finest gardens in Great Britain, ranging from famous 18th-century landscapes such as Stourhead to the rather quirky Garden of Cosmic Speculation.
Londoners
by Craig Taylor
Drawing on the unforgettable stories of nearly 100 Londoners, Taylor provides a rich and vivid kaleidoscopic view of modern-day London through the diverse voices of those who, regardless of whether they love or hate it, capture the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest cities.
The English Garden
by Phaidon
This illustrated survey of 100 iconic gardens in England includes an unrivaled range of gardens by designers, patrons, artists, architects and literary figures.
English Gardens, A Journey Through the Seasons
by Helene Gammack
A visual feast of pure gardening inspiration. From England’s most modest herb patches to its sweeping landscape gardens -- carpets of bluebells at Emmets Garden, the wild meadows at Tyntesfield -- the National Trust offers a glorious tour.
Sissinghurst: Vita Sackville-West and the Creation of a Garden
by Sarah Raven, Vita Sackville-West
This illustrated tribute to the renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden incorporates the popular weekly columns of gardener extraordinaire and award-winning writer Vita Sackville-West, who founded and tended to the garden for many years.
Watching the English
by Kate Fox
Fox's clever guide to the conversation, behavior, quirks, habits and foibles of the English is wildly popular back home in Britain. Second edition.
The English Cathedral
by Peter Marlow
In this photographic tribute to each of England's 42 Anglican cathedrals (including the great UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Durham and Canterbury) award-winning photographer Peter Marlow evokes the greatness and humbling power of each magnificent building.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
by Brent Elliott
A world expert on the Chelsea Flower Show, Brent Elliott shows how the show has evolved and influenced over the course of 100 years. Includes 200 color and black-and-white illustrations as well as pieces from gardeners and nurserymen and women.
The English Garden
by Andrew Lawson (Photographer), Ursula Buchan
An illustrated history of English gardens and styles of landscaping, with 350 photographs and a focus on gardens open to the public.
The Cotswolds, A Cultural History
by Jane Bingham
In this cultural guide, Bingham introduces the churches and manor houses, rich history and celebrated landscapes of southern England.
The English Garden, A Social History
by Charles Quest-Ritson
This short piece of scholarship discusses how English gardens are not merely beautiful, but represent lifestyle, money and class. The narrative ushers readers from the walled-off secret gardens of the 1500s to the present day, when gardening is a common pastime.