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Notes From A Small Island

Journey Through Britain

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


In 1995, before leaving his much-loved home in North Yorkshire to move back to the States for a few years with his family, Bill Bryson insisted on taking one last trip around Britain, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had so long been his home. His aim was to take stock of the nation's public face and private parts (as it were), and to analyse what precisely it was he loved so much about a country that had produced Marmite; a military hero whose dying wish was to be kissed by a fellow named Hardy; place names like Farleigh Wallop, Titsey and Shellow Bowells; people who said 'Mustn't grumble', and 'Ooh lovely' at the sight of a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits; and Gardeners' Question Time. Notes from a Small Island was a huge number-one bestseller when it was first published, and has become the nation's most loved book about Britain, going on to sell over two million copies.


© Bill Bryson 1995 (P) Penguin Audio 2010

 Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Adventure Celebrity Funny Witty Feel-Good England

Critic reviews

Not a book that should be read in public, for fear of emitting loud snorts
Laugh-out-loud funny
Splendid... What's enjoyable is that there's as much of Bryson in here as there is of Britain
Bryson is funny because he is not afraid to give completely of himself
Astute and funny...a tribute to [Britain's] enchantments by an unabashed anglophile.
'Not a book that should be read in public, for fear of emitting loud snorts'
'Laugh-out-loud funny'
'Splendid...What's enjoyable is that there's as much of Bryson in here as there is of Britain'
'Bryson is funny because he is not afraid to give completely of himself'
All stars
Most relevant
This is such a good book which I read years ago. It's funny, quirky and gently mocks the British way of doing things.
I like Bill Brysons narration of his own books very much.

The book was great apart from very odd music suddenly drowning out much of the narration when Bill Bryson reached John O Groats. It was most peculiar and unnecessary....I didn't know where the music was coming from initially and then it swelled louder and louder until I wondered whether to turn off the book! Luckily it only lasted a few minutes but I do wonder what it was for and how it was supposed to enhance the recording.
Apart from that I thought it a good recording and would recommend.

Love this book

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In chapter 5 the music drowning out the piece on John o Groats I find irritating in the extreme. Very odd!!

Music spoiler

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Loved listening to the book - makes me want to explore my home country. The humour is likely my favourite aspect of this listen.

Enjoyable and informative

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I agree with most of what Bill says, and his delivery is wonderfully elegant and humorous.

A right riveting read

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I'm a lifelong fan of Bill Bryson & own all of his books. I have read all of them countless times & never tire of his dry humour & his bewildered take on the world around him. To me, this book is still his finest moment & to hear the man himself narrating it is a delight beyond words. You can hear the joy in his voice when he describes something he loves & his exasperation when he finds something disagreeable or confusing. The market is saturated with humorous travel books, but Bryson is the unquestionable king of the genre & I am looking forward to hearing many more of his books narrated by the man himself.

Bryson at his best!

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