The Discovery of Britain: An Accidental History

by Graham Robb

A Spectator Book of the Year.

'Robb has found a new format for writing history' – Alan Johnson

'Rarely does history feel so beguiling' - The Observer

'A treasure house of a book' - The Spectator

Taking you on a time-travelling adventure around the 'spindly, sea-wracked islands' we call home, The Discovery of Britain is history that's panoramic and intimate, poignant and shocking, seriously funny, and enlightening in the most surprising way.

In the assured hands of Graham Robb, prize-winning author of The Discovery of France, and often from the unique vantage point of his bicycle, we encounter an entertaining cast of characters foreign and homegrown, drop in on places and events, and dwell on the successes and catastrophes across British history. From ancient settlements swallowed up by the sea and the creation of Stonehenge to the advent of multiculturalism and recent political earthquakes, all is seen as it’s never been seen before.

With intriguing maps and illustrations throughout, The Discovery of Britain can be devoured whole or each chapter read in the time it takes to change a bicycle tyre or drink a cup of coffee. The wonderful choice of how to enjoy this original and sweeping history of Britain is yours.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, British Literature

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

Graham Macdonald Robb FRSL (born June 2, 1958) is a British author.

Robb was born in Manchester and educated at the Royal Grammar School Worcester and Exeter College, Oxford, where he studied Modern Languages. He earned a PhD in French literature at Vanderbilt University.

He won the 1997 Whitbread Book Award for best biography (Victor Hugo) and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Rimbaud in 2001. In 2007, he won the Duff Cooper Prize for The Discovery of France.

On April 28, 2008 he was awarded the £10,000 Ondaatje Prize by the Royal Society of Literature in London for The Discovery of France.

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t really for me. I was expecting something with a little bit more of a personal narrative of connecting to the history of one’s homeland, but that aspect was very minor and the majority of the book was actually rather dry. It also felt rather unfocused in scope.

[Yvonne Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is a discovery of Britain and is as fascinating as it is informative. The chapters are arranged chronologically from prehistoric times to the present, but it's by no means a conventional history book. Each chapter combines accounts of historical events and people (some better known than others) with the author's own observations from his family history and from his travels around the country. We do come across palaces, castles, and battlefields, but the book is very different from the usual history books that concentrate on kings and queens, politicians, and battles - it's like being taken around the country by a very well informed and enthusiastic guide.

The book is rather long but is packed with so much interesting information and amusing anecdotes that I found it an easy read. I was reading an advance reader copy (courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher) so not all the illustrations were there, but if the photos and drawings at the beginning of each chapter are any guide, the end product really will be quite something. This book would be an excellent gift for anyone interested in British history and culture.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Discovery of Britain is delightfully peculiar mix of historical miscellany interspersed with autobiographical factoids of the author’s life. The ancient and early history of Britain were extraordinary. Full of exceptional facts and interesting information; I could have read that all day long. The bits of the author's life dovetailing in with the region, historical or geographical details was a quirky addition that added a more rounded perspective.

The more recently 'modern' chapters were good, too, until it became rather political. Yes, of course, the Conservatives deserve all the criticism. They did not cover themselves in glory since the Brexit vote. But, I look forward to the spotlight of shame being directed in Labour’s direction in an updated edition. They have been the party in power since August 2024, when this book was finished, and have worked with speed to match the Conservatives, who had a 14 year premiership, to bring Britain, and her native inhabitants, low in a plethora of ways. Such a short time for them to prove equally as incompetent.

Skipping the political views, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the brilliant snippets of Britain's amazing history.

[Martin Southard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graham Robb’s The Discovery of Britain is a lively wander through the nation’s past, stitched together with quirky observations and unexpected detours. Rather than a heavy chronicle, it feels more like joining a curious friend on a long ride, where history pops up at every bend in the road. The book is full of odd details that stick in the mind, and the cycling angle gives it a down-to-earth charm. It doesn’t try to cover everything, but what it does explore is told with energy and humour. A thoughtful yet easy companion for anyone curious about Britain’s tangled story.

Many thanks to Pan MacMillan, Graham Robb and Netgalley for providing this advanced copy

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graham Robb has an original approach to telling the story of Britain, wandering around the country and covering a wide range of subjects. It’s a book to dip in and out of, covering the history, geography and geology of the island throughout the centuries, from earliest times to present day. Interesting and unusual. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Fairgo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the many glowing reviews I bought this book with high expectations which, sad to say, were only met in occasional anecdotes and themes touched on in the book. Just when something grabbed my interest and I was keen to know more, Robb changed the topic. Having persevered to the end, my overall impression is of a collection of jigsaw pieces with very few connected and with the final picture never clear.

[Jamie Rutland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different kind of book than I'm used to. The history of Britain from all the way back in prehistoric times to now is very interesting. But, that is interspersed with personal revelations of the author and side notes about all sorts of things. It was slow reading for me, but that may be because I'm not used to this kind of writing. I would recommend this book if you are interested in history and don't mind reading about other things in between.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Discovery of Britain is a book unlike most. It's very hard to classify - part geographical, much history, personal memoir and more - what it is in immensely readable. The stories follow a timeline but diverge into interesting sidelines. It's a terrific read.