This is Britain

This is...

by Miroslav Sasek

Like the other Sasek classics, these are facsimile editions of his original books. The vibrant illustrations have been preserved, remaining true to his vision, and where applicable facts have been updated, appearing on a "This is...Today" page at the back of each book. The charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek’s witty, playful narrative, make for perfect souvenirs that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember them from their own childhood. This is Britain, first published in 1974, encompasses the nation’s many facets, from the mystery of Stonehenge to the monuments of the British Isles. Among his stops are the White Cliffs of Dover; Brighton’s Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion; the castles and Tintern Abbey in Wales; and Scotland’s four Royal Palaces and long lochs. This is Israel, first published in 1962, visits the Promised Land, a sun-drenched panorama of many hues and many traditions. From the Sea of Galilee to the Red Sea (it’s really blue); from modern Tel Aviv to Jerusalem new and old; from Mt. Zion to King Solomon’s mines; Sasek presents the biblical glory of its past and the golden hope of its future.

Genres: Travel, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Geography, British Literature

62 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Miroslav Sasek (born Miroslav Šašek) (1916-1980) was an author and illustrator from the Czech Republic. He is best known for a series of books for children titled This Is...

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Grade = 88% - B

Published 1974. 60 pages.

Found this one at a thrift shop last week for $1.00 and couldn’t resist. Fully illustrated with at least one and sometimes two watercolor illustrations per page.

The book started off in London with all the most important tourist attractions then rapidly moved through the rest of the island covering mainly castles and cathedrals and also Stonehenge, Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Stratford-on-Avon, Bath, and Edinburg.

I have been to most of these sites and spent a cheerful hour reminiscing.....

[Nel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a story behind why I had the library get this book and this book series.
Starting Jan 2016 I had no idea who Miroslav Sasek was but A co worker who knows I am obsessed with England got me a Calendar with Miroslav Sasek picture of The UK--then I realized they were based on 'vintage' children's travel books. Miro died in 1980, but his book were republished in the 2008 so I was curious. This book was originally published 1974 there are updated stats and info in the back...but not a whole bunch has changed in 1000 years. What I like most about this book, Is I have been to a lot of these places! Salisbury Cathedral, York Minster, Canterbury, Brighton, The White Cliffs of Dover and it makes me want to see more! The pictures are great...a little dull and some might say outdated but I am clinging to vintage! It was fun to read this! I am putting it on my like shelf. Why I can't do higher than 4 stars. It is a little long, (not long for me but for a child) and some may not love the vintage feel! Still I really enjoyed it!

[Riegs · Rating 3 out of 5]

They were selling this, and the London one, at the Victoria & Albert Museum when I visited this summer. I wish I'd picked up a copy, because Sasek's illustrations in this series are absolutely adorable.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a travel book about Britain. It was written in the 1960s so it has a cool retro feel.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very stylish book was definitely worth resurrecting in light of our love affair with midcentury style.

This is Britain is an interesting overview of the major monuments and landmarks of England, Scotland and Wales (primarily of cathedrals and castles). Both the drawings and the text contain impressive amounts of detail. I do wonder, however, if some of the information would've gone over the heads of children of its time as it probably does now (do any kids these days know about Boswell and Dr Johnson, and Cranford, and the Battle of Tewkesbury?)

I would love to know how he chose this collection as he must've been spoilt for choice - but he is absolutely amazing at drawing gothic cathedrals and Elizabethan black and white buildings!

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars. I personally enjoyed this as a guidebook, and the art is always great in this series. But I definitely question whether children would get much out of This is Britain. It's strongly focused on cathedrals, castles, and other buildings, with a relationship to their history much of which will go over most children's heads. I think there are all kinds of things in Britain that would have been of much greater interest to children than the pub where Boswell and Johnson used to meet or the town where Lady Hamilton was born.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Masterpiece from M. Sasek. Great introduction to British history for children.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dense for a kid’s book; possibly better suited to adults!

[Tuly Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sasek's illustrations. Wonderful book.