Viking has acquired Alice Loxton’s A History of Britain in 21 Paintings, in a two-book deal. Evangeline Stanford bought world rights from Caroline Hardman.

Viking described the book as a “vibrant and insightful” journey across Britain in search of 21 paintings, exploring “the historical, social and cultural shifts these paintings reflected and inspired” and challenging “some of Britain’s most famous myths”.  It will publish in hardback, ebook and audio on 12^th November. The second book will be published in autumn 2027.

Evangeline Stanford said that “We are thrilled to be welcoming Alice to Viking. She is a spectacular storyteller, one of Britain’s most exciting historians and such a delight to work with. This is the perfect book for Alice – it is a joyous and illuminating journey through history, art and heritage, and Alice is the best author to guide readers through this wondrous history.”

Alice Loxton said “There are so many hidden stories to uncover when it comes to the history of British paintings, and I am thrilled to be working with the team at Viking. It has been a wonderful journey so far, visiting surprising locations such as the Hogsmill River, which was painted by Millais; the ASDA in Bolton, where memories of LS Lowry’s world can be traced; and St Mary’s Hospital in London, adorned with vivid stripes of Bridget Riley.”

Alice is also the author of Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen, Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives and Uproar! Eighteen was named Blackwell’s Book of the Year in 2024. Both Eleanor and Eighteen were Times bestsellers. Alice’s Instagram is @history_alice.

The bookseller article can be read here.