These Isles

‘Brian Groom’s whistlestop reminder of the tensions which have always existed between the peoples of these isles could hardly be more timely.’ James Hawes

‘At last a history of the peoples of Britain in the plural, long overdue.’ Simon Jenkins

‘Brian Groom’s fascinating history tells a rich story of emigration and immigration, of the constant intermingling and merging of peoples and cultures, and of periodic conflicts. It’s an eloquent, well-researched narrative that provides a vital rebuke to the extremists now claiming ownership of national flags.’ Philip Stephens

‘Concise, stylish, scholarly. This book doesn’t follow the drumbeat of any particular theory of history and is all the better for it. … Fits the bill perfectly.’ Scotsman

Praise for Brian Groom’s Northerners…

‘Entertaining and informative. … Avoids sentimentality and stereotypes. … Groom keeps his history admirably down to earth.’ The Times, Book of the Week

‘A definitive new chronicle of the region, the first to appear this century.’ The Mirror

‘Groom’s chronicling of northern setbacks is urbane rather than indignant. … Comprehensive and highly readable.’ Financial Times

‘A rich and kaleidoscopic history of a region, its landscape, industries, culture and people. Northerners is rigorous, digressive, discursive, always entertaining and enlightening, as full of good things as the North itself.’ Stuart Maconie

‘A wonderful compendium of the North’s proud, deep, ancient otherness.’ James Hawes

‘An essential writer on politics and business and a tireless champion of the north.’ George Parker

‘A measured and essential voice in these compromised times.’ Adam Boulton

‘Few people are better placed to write the story of northerners. One of journalism’s most astute observers of the state of Britain.’ Helen Pidd

‘Brian Groom is one of the leading experts on Britain’s regions and nations and a perceptive analyst.’ Duncan Weldon

‘Panoramic, authoritative and a beautiful read.’ Sebastian Payne

Brian Groom is a journalist and a leading expert on British regional and national affairs. His career was spent mainly at the Financial Times, where he was assistant editor and worked in various capacities.