The Saturday Talk - These Isles: A history

These Isles: A history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland is a cultural, historical and social examination of the past, present and future relationship between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, along with the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and other isles. It follows the broad historical narrative, though with a strong focus on social and cultural themes.

As with Brian's first book Northerners, it has a focus on personalities. Themes include the part played by religion and the British Empire. The nations' influential diasporas are examined, as well as migration within the islands. The book covers popular culture, sport, music, language, literature and art. Northern England remains a big part of the story, along with other English regions.

Brian Groom is a retired journalist, originally from Stretford. He started work as a sports editor in Goole, Yorkshire, but most of his career was at the Financial Times, where he did many of the top jobs including political editor and assistant editor. He also had ten years in Scotland during the 1980s-90s when he launched and then edited Scotland on Sunday, The Scotsman's Sunday paper. His book Northerners: A History, which came out in 2022, became a national bestseller, reaching number three in The Times non-fiction top ten.

Entrance is FREE

Free tea or coffee and a biscuit served from 10.00 when the doors open. The talk starts promptly at 10.30.

You are welcome to bring a friend.