Britannias

And the Islands of Women

By Alice Albinia | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A dazzlingly brilliant book' Hannah Dawson

'Fascinating, often exhilarating
... Albinia is an intrepid, imaginative guide' TLS

The Britannias tells the story of Britain's islands and how they are woven into its collective cultural psyche.

From Neolithic Orkney to modern-day Thanet, Alice Albinia explores the furthest reaches of Britain's island topography, once known (wrote Pliny) by the collective term, Britanniae. Sailing over borders, between languages and genres, trespassing through the past to understand the present, this book knocks the centre out to foreground neglected epics and subversive voices.

The ancient mythology of islands ruled by women winds through the literature of the British Isles - from Roman colonial-era reports, to early Irish poetry, Renaissance drama to Restoration utopias - transcending and subverting the most male-fixated of ages. The Britannias looks far back into the past for direction and solace, while searching for new meaning about women's status in the body politic. Boldly upturning established truths about Britain, it pays homage to the islands' beauty, independence and their suppressed or forgotten histories.

Editions of Britannias

Paperback
ISBN 9781846149115
EBook
ISBN 9781846149122
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781802065114

Read an Excerpt

SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A dazzlingly brilliant book' Hannah Dawson

'Fascinating, often exhilarating
... Albinia is an intrepid, imaginative guide' TLS

The Britannias tells the story of Britain's islands and how they are woven into its collective cultural psyche.

From Neolithic Orkney to modern-day Thanet, Alice Albinia explores the furthest reaches of Britain's island topography, once known (wrote Pliny) by the collective term, Britanniae. Sailing over borders, between languages and genres, trespassing through the past to understand the present, this book knocks the centre out to foreground neglected epics and subversive voices.

The ancient mythology of islands ruled by women winds through the literature of the British Isles - from Roman colonial-era reports, to early Irish poetry, Renaissance drama to Restoration utopias - transcending and subverting the most male-fixated of ages. The Britannias looks far back into the past for direction and solace, while searching for new meaning about women's status in the body politic. Boldly upturning established truths about Britain, it pays homage to the islands' beauty, independence and their suppressed or forgotten histories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Britannias about?

SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR

'A dazzlingly brilliant book' Hannah Dawson

'Fascinating, often exhilarating
... Albinia is an intrepid, imaginative guide' TLS

The Britannias tells the story of Britain's islands and how they are woven into its collective cultural psyche.

From Neolithic Orkney to modern-day Thanet, Alice Albinia explores the furthest reaches of Britain's island topography, once known (wrote Pliny) by the collective term, Britanniae. Sailing over borders, between languages and genres, trespassing through the past to understand the present, this book knocks the centre out to foreground neglected epics and subversive voices.

The ancient mythology of islands ruled by women winds through the literature of the British Isles - from Roman colonial-era reports, to early Irish poetry, Renaissance drama to Restoration utopias - transcending and subverting the most male-fixated of ages. The Britannias looks far back into the past for direction and solace, while searching for new meaning about women's status in the body politic. Boldly upturning established truths about Britain, it pays homage to the islands' beauty, independence and their suppressed or forgotten histories.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Britannias?

History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Historical geography

Where can I read a sample of Britannias?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781846149115

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Britannias?

Alice Albinia

Who is the Publisher of the book Britannias?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Britannias is available as paperback(ISBN 9781846149115) and ebook(ISBN 9781846149122) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781802065114)

Where can I buy Britannias online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Britannias from below

Where can I buy Britannias?