The British Isles [antikvár]

Foreword'There are no countries in the world less known by the British than these self same British Islands.'I do not necessarily agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of the rather cynical 19th century writer, nevertheless there is still an element of truth, even a century later, in what he wrote. It has become far too fashionable 'to be going abroad for one's holiday'. Indeed, it is quite remarkable that it is almost assumed that holiday plans necessitate travel away from our shores - the result, no doubt, of the excellent marketing of cheap air flights and overseas accommodation.However, nowhere in the world can any countries of comparable size boast of so much to be seen as there is here - in Britain. We have it all, and, what is more, one never has to travel very far - these 'tight little isles' are conveniently compact.What a blessing that the preservationists and conservationists have managed so successfully to eliminate hoardings from the roadsides, and to retain so much of our countryside and shoreline as totally unspoilt areas. There are many country lanes barely the width of one's car waiting to be explored, winding through charming villages and hamlets which have remained unchanged since time immemorial.Our cities, culture and countryside cannot be excelled in my view - browse through this book and you will be left in no doubt that I am right by the time you reach its end.George Borrow (1803-1881) Preface to Lavengro.