Writing Englishness: An Introductory Sourcebook

The very word "England" conjures up a multitude of images: from cricket and warm beer to grey industrial towns. Whatever Englishness is, it cannot be defined purely by geography.

The first half of the twentieth century, which saw two World Wars, the decline of the British empire and worldwide economic depression, was a time when concepts about national identity were especially controversial. "Writing and Englishness: 1900-1950" is an absorbing and innovative collection of writings which explore the debates surrounding Englishness during those problematic times. Issues explored include the ideas and ideals of Englishness; versions of rural England; war and national identity; and culture and Englishness. These fascinating pieces are gathered from a wide variety of sources such as diaries, political speeches, literature and journalism.