How Britain Worked

by Guy Martin

It is a largely forgotten fact that Britain was the first industrialized country in the world, but Guy Martin - the cult motorcycle racer and mechanic - is about to remind us how the industrial revolution helped make Britain great.

Guy shows how the discoveries made in the late 18th-19th centuries are to thank for the ease of our every day lives: in order to cook a bacon and egg sandwich in Industrial-era conditions, Guy has to restore a steam locomotive and railway to have the components delivered to the local shop; he has to bring a saw mill back into working order to be able to make a bicycle; he has to revamp a Victorian fishing trawler so he can cook himself some fish and chips, and when he decides to mow the lawn, he restores a Victorian botanical garden. After all that, he's in need of a holiday - so he sets to work restoring a Victorian holiday resort.

Illustrated throughout with specially commissioned photography as well as historical images, Guy will take us through each project; his passion, enthusiasm and sheer inventiveness bringing a completely new perspective to the Industrial Revolution. He invites us to live it with him, to enjoy the nostalgia, marvel in the mechanics and learn from its legacy.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Guy Martin is publicly known primarily as an English motorcycle racer, who also works as a lorry mechanic and TV presenter. He has mainly competed in road racing events such as the Isle of Man TT, Ulster Grand Prix and North West 200. Since 2011, Martin has also found success as the front man of several television programmes focusing on his passions of engineering, motor vehicles and speed.

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trivia facts chained together around a conservative and very nationalistic ideal. Back in the 1800s the industry was taking the humanity away from the proletariat. 2000 and the government should take money from everybody to give back the proletariat the chance to work in a factory. And the cover says it all: "As seen on Channel 4" and something about "OUR industrial past".

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting book about predominantly the industrial revolution and it's affect on the workforce. Lots of other information too.

Can't help hearing Guy's voice as the narrator though!!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I'm cynical but it did read like someone impersonating Guy at times. Once passed that thought though, it is actually a very good book.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that can be read from cover to cover, or just looked through to enjoy the many photographs. An interesting read as a follow up from the TV series about England's industrial past. As ever Guy is prepared to muck in and get his hands dirty. And if there is some danger to this adrenalin junkie, then the more he likes it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watched and enjoyed several episodes of the TV series and the similar Boat that Guy Built. This is a book that expands well on what little could be crammed into the programmes, yet captures Guy Martin's distinctiveness as a presenter too (so if you don't like his manner or enthusiasms, it might be irritating)