The past is like a dark forest. Most of the details of our ancestors’ lives are forgotten, lost in the mists of time. Yet there are many sources – fireflies – that survive to illuminate our understanding of the past. In this case, those fireflies are paintings.

In this vibrant and insightful book, Alice Loxton travels across Britain in search of twenty-one extraordinary paintings. From the wall art of St Cadoc’s Church near Cardiff and the exquisite detail of daily life portrayed by L.S. Lowry to landmark works including ‘The Rainbow Portrait’ of Elizabeth I and Millais’ ‘Ophelia’, Loxton creates a fresh, transformative history of Britain.

Considering each piece from the viewer’s perspective, she explores how it feels standing before them, what they are trying to tell and what their real-life inspiration reveals about the period when they were created. Along the way, Loxton explores the lives of everyday people, unveils the historical, social and cultural shifts these paintings reflected and inspired, and challenges some of Britain’s most famous myths (who really was St George? Did the people of the Middle Ages think the world was flat? Why do Scots wear tartan? Why do us Brits love going to the pub?).

This sweeping history reminds us that there are incredible stories to be discovered all across Britain, if only we take the time to look.

Praise

‘An entertaining, illuminating tour of British history filled with delightful stories, witty anecdotes and an abundance of remarkable paintings’
Terry Deary, author of A History of Britain in Ten Enemies

‘A champion of British heritage… Join the most enthusiastic of tour guides, Alice Loxton, as she highlights the profound visual histories to be found in every corner of the land’
Luke Sherlock, author of Forgotten Churches

‘Alice Loxton has a brilliant talent for digging out history’s most extraordinary stories and bringing them to life. This is a fascinating journey through Britain’s past, told in her characteristically engaging and witty style. Coming to the end, you are left wanting 21 more!’
Jack Chesher, author of London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers

‘A glittering jewel-box of a book. From exquisite Dark Ages gospels to a sacred white horse, from the fogs of Claude Monet to LS Lowry’s football visions, via Queen Elizabeth’s rainbow and the unearthly light and science of Joseph Wright of Derby, Alice Loxton guides us not only through national history, but also the amazing stories of the nation’s most enduring art-works and their preservation. Delightful, engaging, packed with surprising by-ways and endlessly illuminating.’
Sinclair McKay, author of Dad’s Army

‘Alongside landscapes by artists such as Monet, Lowry and Turner, Alice Loxton uses ancient manuscripts, medieval maps, church wall paintings and even pub signs as windows onto our island’s past. Along the way, she brings to life not only the people who created these works but also the conservators and custodians who have cared for them. Warm, curious and full of wit, this is a history of great scope, brought vividly to life and delivered with considerable panache. It’s a book that will make you look at Britain and the artworks that tell its story in a completely new way.’
Andrew Ziminski, author of Church Going

‘A sumptuous, glittering treasure trove of a book laced with clarity and warmth – reading this is like being led through an art gallery by a friend, stepping into history through the portals of the paintings and objects she reveals. Brilliantly and lightly told, filled with wonder and endlessly enjoyable, Alice Loxton is a national treasure like the paintings she uncovers.’
Emily Hauser, author of Mythica

‘A delightful romp through more than one thousand years of British art and history’
Elizabeth Goldring, author of Holbein: Renaissance Master

‘Absolutely brilliant! Loxton triumphs again with this dazzling history of Britain and its art. Fascinating, superbly researched, beautifully written, this is a majestic book’
Kate Williams, author of Regina: A New History of Women and Power

‘Loxton brings the past to life with wit, wonderment and an irrepressible curiosity. History has never been such fun!’
Ruby Gray, historian and presenter (@too.long.didnt.readd)

‘Full of warmth and humour, A History of Britain in 21 Paintings is a jewel box of historical narratives and the ideal book to press into the hands of friends and family members alike’
Flora Carr, author of The Tower

‘The perfect companion … a beautifully fresh concept, executed with Loxton’s trademark curiosity, enthusiasm and scholarship’
Lucy Moore, historian and author of In Search of Us