The Local: A History of the English Pub

by Paul Jennings

The pub has been at the heart of English life for generations. But how has this unique institution developed over the centuries? Paul Jennings traces the history of the English pub, looking at how it evolved from the coaching inn and the humble alehouse, through back-street beerhouses and 'fine, flaring' gin palaces to the drinking establishments of the twenty-first centuries. Covering all aspects of pub life, this fascinating history examines pubs in town and country. It identifies key trends and discusses architecture and interior design. It looks at customers and their varied activities in pubs and at the men and women who ran them. The story of the pub is set throughout the wider context of social change. The Local is a must-read for the pub-goer and anyone interested in the history of the English people.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Dr Paul Jennings is a History Professor at the University of Bradford.

Reviews

[James Slaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the history of the English pub. While academic in nature, being well referenced and thorough, it’s not all numbers and boring facts. There are many colorful anecdotes to liven up the reading.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meticulously sourced and footnoted, this provides a succinct overview of the origins of the pub, how its function, ownership and clientele changed over time, as well as why it became such a central part of English culture.