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Footnotes

A Journey Round Britain in the Company of Great Writers

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About this listen

Peter Fiennes follows in the footsteps of 12 inspirational writers, bringing modern Britain into focus by peering through the lens of the past.

The journey starts in Dorset, shaped by the childhood visions of Enid Blyton, and ends with Charles Dickens on the train that took him to his final resting place in Westminster Abbey. From the wilds of Skye and Snowdon, to a big night out in Birmingham with J. B. Priestley and Beryl Bainbridge, Footnotes is a series of evocative biographies, a lyrical foray into the past and a quest to understand Britain through the books, journals and diaries of some of our greatest writers. And as Fiennes travels the country and roams across the centuries, he wonders: ‘Who are we? What do we want? They seemed like good questions to ask, in the company of some of our greatest writers, given these restless times'.

©2019 Peter Fiennes (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Europe Travel Writing & Commentary Walking Western Europe

Critic reviews

"I didn’t really know that I’d been waiting for a more literary and stylish Bill Bryson to update Notes from a Small Island, but that’s just what Footnotes is, and I loved it." (The Observer)

"Marvellously quotable.... It’s not the place, but the mind and spirit of the author that makes a guidebook special.... Fiennes’ literary journey makes for a provocative and engaging book." (Financial Times)

"A series of illuminating walks around the British Isles." (Discover Britain)
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This is a beautifully written book and a pleasure to listen to. I wasn't familiar with all the writers before starting but they now feel like close friends. Like a good trip, there are countless stories, characters and unexpected turns along the way and when I got to the end, I was sad it was all over. Would highly recommend!

Like a great journey

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I skipped through this wonderful audio. Peter Fiennes takes you on a journey around Britain in the company of an eclectic gaggle of writers, illuminating the Britain of their time while he reflects on the present. Passionate, spiky, funny.

Thoroughly enjoyable listen!

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Admiration for those who pioneered many of our foundations in life and community we can learn from these

An overview of those that made the journey

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Starting with Enid Blyton it gives a good insight into the individuals and the beautiful country we live in.
I looked forward to each story and was not disappointed at the end.

Enjoyable romp around the UK

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