Indexed episode5 mentions

The Rest Is HistoryApr 28, 2022

180. England & Englishness

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 180. England & Englishness on The Rest Is History.

Books mentioned

The Lion and the Unicorn Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England Who Are We Now?+1 more

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180. England & Englishness mentions The Lion and the Unicorn by George Orwell, Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England by Jason, Who Are We Now? by Jason Cowley, and Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

The Lion and the Unicorn Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England Who Are We Now?Austerlitz

3 books from this episode

The Lion and the Unicorn

George Orwell

He likens England to an awakened giant in that essay.

Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England

Jason

It's a book of Englishness and England called Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England.

Who Are We Now?

Jason Cowley

It's a book of Englishness and England called Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England.

Episode summary

George Orwell, a love of wildlife, and Raheem Sterling - but what does it mean to be English in the modern world? In today's episode, Tom and Dominic are joined by the New Statesman editor, Jason Cowley, to discuss England and Englishness in the 20th century. Jason's new book 'Who Are We Now?' is available at all good book retailers. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. Editorial Assistant: Grace Mainwaring Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Jack Davenport *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook

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The Lion and the Unicorn

George Orwell

The host discusses George Orwell's 'The Lion and the Unicorn' to illustrate Orwell's complex relationship with Englan…

Card

Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England

Jason

The host mentioned the book 'Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England' to highlight the evolving sense of English id…

Card

Who Are We Now?

Jason Cowley

The host mentions 'Who Are We Now?' as a reflection on modern English identity, linking it to the evolving self-perce…

Card

Austerlitz

W.G. Sebald

The host mentions 'Austerlitz' by W.G. Sebald to illustrate the complexities of identity and history in London. They…

Card

Orwell

The host references George Orwell to discuss the evolving nature of English identity and how it contrasts with Orwell…

Card

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Answers to common summary, books, and takeaway questions for this episode.

What is 180. England & Englishness about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 180. England & Englishness on The Rest Is History.

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What are the main takeaways from 180. England & Englishness?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for 180. England & Englishness.

The conversation centers on English identity and culture.
A second recurring theme is Britishness and Englishness.
Referenced books include The Lion and the Unicorn by George Orwell and Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England by Jason.
The strongest audience signal points to Readers interested in English history and national identity and Readers interested in English culture and identity.

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Which books are mentioned in 180. England & Englishness?

The Lion and the Unicorn by George Orwell, Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England by Jason, and Who Are We Now? by Jason Cowley are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers

English identity and culture(2)Britishness and Englishness(1)English identity and diversity(1)Orwell's perspective on England(1)

Mention sentiment

Deep Dive(4)Critical Analysis(1)

Audience signals

Readers interested in English history and national identityReaders interested in English culture and identityReaders interested in identity and cultural historyReaders interested in English culture and national identity

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

The Lion and the Unicorn

George Orwell

Best for Readers interested in English history and national identityOften cited around Orwell's perspective on England

“There's a wonderful line from The Lion and the Unicorn, such a great essay if you want to think about these questions, where Orwell says,”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Orwell's perspective on England

For: Readers interested in English history and national identity

Key quote: “He likens England to an awakened giant in that essay.”

The host discusses George Orwell's 'The Lion and the Unicorn' to illustrate Orwell's complex relationship with England during a pivotal moment in history. The book reflects on national identity and the awakening of England amidst the threat of war, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.

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Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England

Jason

Best for Readers interested in English culture and identityOften cited around English identity and culture

“Jason's book is who are we now? Stories of modern England. And I can't recommend it too highly.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: English identity and culture

For: Readers interested in English culture and identity

Key quote: “It's a book of Englishness and England called Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England.”

The host mentioned the book 'Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England' to highlight the evolving sense of English identity within the broader context of the United Kingdom. This discussion is framed around personal anecdotes and historical reflections, emphasizing the significance of understanding modern Englishness.

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

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Who Are We Now?

Jason Cowley

Best for Readers interested in English culture and identityOften cited around English identity and culture

“It's a book of Englishness and England called Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: English identity and culture

For: Readers interested in English culture and identity

Key quote: “It's a book of Englishness and England called Who Are We Now? Stories of Modern England.”

The host mentions 'Who Are We Now?' as a reflection on modern English identity, linking it to the evolving self-perception of the English within the United Kingdom. The discussion highlights the significance of cultural observations made by Jason Cowley, the book's author, in understanding contemporary Englishness.

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

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Austerlitz

W.G. Sebald

Best for Readers interested in identity and cultural historyOften cited around Britishness and Englishness

“W.G. Seybold wrote about so beautifully, I think, in Austerlitz.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Britishness and Englishness

For: Readers interested in identity and cultural history

Key quote: “W.G. Seybold wrote about so beautifully, I think, in Austerlitz.”

The host mentions 'Austerlitz' by W.G. Sebald to illustrate the complexities of identity and history in London. They draw parallels between the themes in the book and the paradoxes of modern Britishness and Englishness that they are exploring in their discussion.

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Orwell

Best for Readers interested in English culture and national identityOften cited around English identity and diversity

“The discussion references Orwell in the context of political identity and Englishness, suggesting his complex political stance.”

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis

Trigger: English identity and diversity

For: Readers interested in English culture and national identity

Key quote: “I think that's a fair thing.”

The host references George Orwell to discuss the evolving nature of English identity and how it contrasts with Orwell's observations during the Blitz. They reflect on the changes in England's diversity and the continuity of its national character despite the passage of time.

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