The Literary Guide and Companion to Northern England [Paperback]

Robert M. Cooper (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Whether the thought of northern England in literature conjures up romantic images of Cathy and Heathcliff on the moors or the grim industrial nightmare of George Orwell's The Road to Wigan Pier, literary-minded travelers to the north of England will find this book a fascinating companion. Cooper, a late professor of English at Rhodes College in Tennessee and the author of The Literary Guide to Middle England (Ohio Univ. Pr., 1993. reprint), delivers the work of a knowledgeable enthusiast rather than the brisk, factual reportage of the professional travel writer. Arranged geographically (starting at Shropshire and moving north to the Scottish border), entries are short essays discussing the relations of writers, both native and visitors, to a town, city, or county. References to more recent authors, e.g., native daughters of Sheffield, A.S. Byatt and Margaret Drabble, are not included. Nor is there any information on food and lodging; this book will not replace standard guides. Recommended for public libraries.
Mary C. Kalfatovic, Telesec Lib. Svcs., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 398 pages
• Publisher: Ohio University Press (February 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821410962
• ISBN-13: 978-0821410967
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,404,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and instructive North of England travel guide emphasizing literature, June 27, 2010

By 

Andrew J Brunskill "jaberwok" (Edmonds, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Literary Guide and Companion to Northern England (Paperback)

This is a continuation of the series of Literary Guides (LG) to England by Professor Robert Cooper. So look at the review of his "LG to Southern England" for the high praise that this series has received. I agree with the Southern England reviewer that for a wonderful link of geography with literature which encourages further exploration of both you need only to take this book and a detailed map (Ordnance Survey). Well Ok assuming you want to sleep, eat and drink as well you better add a bed and breakfast and pub guide too as these recommendations are getting dated.
Worth getting just to learn that Mickelgate Bar in York is neither a gate nor a bar and for the incidental learning about the role of Vikings. Get amused, entertained and educated painlessly. Inspirational!
Difficult to find much to fault - it reflects a preference for "traditional" not modern English Literature , possibly some preference for male authors.
Someone who never visits the North of England - you will enjoy this book and likely will start saving up, someone who is visiting it will never regret the gentle whimsical and informative companion that this book provides. PS if you want to expand to non literary links consider the series "Local Heroes" by Adam Hart-Davis and Paul Bader which links geography with history of science and technology.