Customer Reviews

The Oxford Guide to Literary Britain and Ireland

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How often have you wondered about the literary association of places? Well, being an ardent lover of literature, I have often wondered about the places that inspired famous authors to write, or served as their abode as they created works of literary classics. In "The Oxford Guide to Literary Britain and Ireland", both armchair travelers and those who are keen to explore these places will find something to enthrall and inform.

The book contains references to about 2,000 places and this updated edition covers not only famous authors/poets long deceased but also contemporary writers. The format is quite user-friendly and well-organized by region. There is also an index of authors and place names which makes it easy and convenient for cross-referencing. There are lots of full color photographs, B&W photographs, and also illustrations to complement the text, making this both a literary and visual treat for lovers of literature.

I loved that the book not only focuses on well-known places like Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, Anthony Trollope's home, etc. but also on more obscure places that feature in much older works. Some of these places are but mere ruins, and some buildings are long gone, with only a field where a physical structure used to be. Anyone who loves literature will love browsing through and reading this gem of a book!