How We Built Britain

by David Dimbleby

This is the story of Britain told through its buildings and the people who built them. Join David Dimbleby on his colourful chronological journey through the nation's architectural to towering fortresses, timber-framed barns, magnificent palaces, railway viaducts, music halls, suburban homes and tower blocks. He climbs to the top of the light-flooded Ely Cathedral, a looming vision of Norman conquest and domination; he explores Harvington Hall in Worcestershire, riddled with hidden passages to conceal Catholic priests; he delves into Manchester's network of sewers, constructed to flush away the polluted waters of disease; and he takes a quizzical look at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the symbol of devolution.Tying in with the hit BBC1 series and generously illustrated with specially commissioned colour photography and over 100 historic images, this book reveals how these structures originated in the experiences and beliefs of the British people, and how they hold the key to who we are.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Architecture

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2007

Reviews

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became acquainted with this book almost 15 years ago when a university professor gave us two of its chapters to read and then discuss in class. I don't remember those particular classes with special fondness, but the book must have stuck in my mind, because all those years later I managed to buy it second-hand and I read it with pleasure.

Architecture isn't exactly my cup of tea, but I find Dimbleby's promise of discovering, through the buildings, who their builders and occupants were (and are), fascinating. And he definitely delivers. The book is a (necessarily) brief overview of the British city- town-, and villagescape, through which the reader gets to know the main historical events that shaped the people, and through them, the buildings they occupied.

I'm giving it four and not five stars for two reasons, which I know to be purely subjective. First of all, there's not enough photos to show the reader what the buildings the author talks about actually look like. Secondly, I feel that some buildings are missing whose inclusion would make the book more comprehensive.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted more pictures! But I guess that's what the TV show was for xD
Good mix of history and architecture with plenty of interesting facts though

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent writing. Good pictures. But ultimately not particularly illuminating.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 2 out of 5]

BBC book. A decent short history, focusing mostly on the changing architectural landscape.