Description
Essex.
A county both famous and infamous: the stuff of tabloid headlines and reality television, consumer culture and right-wing politicians.
England’s dark id.
But beyond the sensationalist headlines lies a strange and secret place with a rich history: of smugglers and private islands, artists and radicals, myths and legends.
It’s where the Peasants’ Revolt began and the Empire Windrush docked.
And – from political movements like Brexit to cultural events like TOWIE – where Essex leads, the rest of us often follow.
‘Exceptionally well-written and intelligent…if you are interested in this remarkable microcosm of England, the book will grip you; if you aren’t, it will make you realise that you jolly well should be’ – Simon Heffer, Spectator
‘A deeply sensitive and engaging portrait of a misunderstood county and its people’ – Financial Times
‘A stellar performance’ – Jonathan Meades
