Shipping Through the Holidays β˜€οΈπŸ“¦

Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

The Way It Was

Life in Elizabeth’s Britain, 1952-1979
4.47 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 45 ratings, 8 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Way It Was by Matthew Engel delves into the transformative events and cultural shifts in British society during the second half of the 20th century. With keen insights and engaging anecdotes, the book explores how political, social, and economic changes shaped everyday life, offering a vivid portrait of a rapidly evolving nation. Engel presents historical narratives with a touch of nostalgia, providing readers with an insightful look into Britain's past.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Way It Was. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in British history and a fascination with the cultural and political shifts over time. It offers a vivid exploration of post-war Britain, capturing how the nation's identity and global position have evolved, making it intriguing for history enthusiasts.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Way It Was

A wonderfully witty and illuminating social history of post-war Britain, by the author of Engel's England and Eleven Minutes Late.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Way It Was was named Book of the Year in the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, and New Statesman.

"A powerful illumination of a lost world that is nevertheless part of living memory." - Simon Heffer, 'Books of the Year', Daily Telegraph

"A joyous new book on post-war Britain." - Daily Mail

When Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952, Britain had a far-flung empire, Winston Churchill was prime minister, sweets were rationed, mums stayed at home, and kids played on bombsites. In the years that followed, everything changed utterly.

Through original research, interviews with people who were there, and his own memories of the time, Matthew Engel traces the transformation of British society as never before.

Beginning with the death of King George VI and ending on the eve of Margaret Thatcher's election, Engel not only covers all the major historical events but also explores everyday lifeβ€”from the food we ate and where we shopped, to what we watched on television and the newspapers we read.

In doing so, he brings these three decades to life with his own light touch and a wealth of fascinating, forgotten, often funny detail.

Previously published as The Reign - Life in Elizabeth's Britain.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The reviews for The Way It Was by Matthew Engel highlight it as an entertaining and insightful exploration of post-war Britain, praised for its sharp observations and vivid anecdotes. Critics appreciate Engel's witty and sometimes eccentric style, describing the book as rich in detail and full of illuminating stories. It is seen as a delightful and engaging reflection on a rapidly changing era.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786496690

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: 3x8pp b&w plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 39.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 540g

Pages: 640

About the Author

Matthew Engel is a journalist and author. He has written for the Guardian and Financial Times, among other publications, and was the editor of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack for twelve years. His books include Eleven Minutes Late and Engel's England.

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.