Anatomy of a Nation

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From an obscure archipelago on the fringes of the Roman world to a major empire with a diverse language, Britain's past is rich and complex. Today, the nation faces a crisis of identity, grappling with its European, Atlantic, and broader heritages. To comprehend this dislocation, one must explore Britain's evolution, achievements, and tensions. Historian and barrister Dominic Selwood presents a fresh perspective on British identity by examining 50 documents that illuminate what makes Britain unique. While some documents are well-known, most are not, each revealing vital aspects of Britain and its people. From Anglo-Saxon poetry and medieval folk music to the first Valentine's Day letter and the origins of computer code, the narrative uncovers a previously unseen Britain. Central to this exploration are intriguing figures, including a female charioteer queen, a graffiti artist who survived the plague, a drunken Bible translator, and the eccentric fathers of modern typography. Selwood skillfully intertwines these human stories with the selected documents, offering a vivid portrayal of Britain's achievements and failures. This engaging account provides a captivating insight into the people who shaped the nation, presenting history as it should be—entertaining and thought-provoking.