Northerners: The bestselling history of the North of England

Product Information

Take, for example, the important historical standing of York, a city where at least six Roman emperors ruled the empire. It explores what northernness means in the 21 st century and the crucial role the north can play in Britain’s future. Ebooks fulfilled through Glose cannot be printed, downloaded as PDF, or read in other digital readers (like Kindle or Nook). I think it was a good starter to learning some of the history of Northern England but it was also frustrating for me to read.

It could hardly be more topical, given tensions over Brexit, the “red wall” and forces threatening to drive the country apart. Use of random examples or of TV programmes or other cultural icons don't really feel like they are really telling the story of the north and what makes it different. I wish the book had decided on either a thematic approach *or* a timeline, as the chronology of events was frequently difficult to keep track of, but was otherwise a very engaging read. A book of the North which as he acknowledges a little amorphous as there is little agreement over where it is and who are included and certainly no implied cohesion.

It is a celebration of the diverse groups of people who have made the north their home as well as a recognition of the manifold events that have shaped not only the story of this region, but also that of the UK and beyond.

Being a Northerner with a lifelong interest in the history of The North, this book just begged to be read. Thankfully the footnotes and the select bibliography have given me somewhere to go next in my exploration of Northern history. Groom sets out to create a proper history of the north of England and the people that identify as northerners. There were also little asides that say something about what it is to be Northern that didn't align with my own perceptions of the North and Northern history.

There is also a little bit too much polishing over historical events which would make for a more interesting book. I love the North dearly, and it's disappointing that a book with such a promising premise is so lacking in any kind of Northern spirit. His career was spent mainly at the Financial Times, where he was assistant editor and worked in various capacities. Deciding where the north starts in England is always a good question and the author does give the reader choices.