Geographies of England: The North-South Divide, Material and Imagined

Description

To what extent has a North-South divide been a structural feature of England's geography during the last millennium and to what extent has it been especially associated with, and recognized during, particular periods in the past? These are the central questions addressed in this pioneering exploration of the history of a fundamentally geographical concept. Six essays treating different historical periods in time are integrated by their common concern with two geographical questions: first, to what extent is it possible for us to detect a material or tangible North-South divide in England in those periods in terms of regional differences in, for example, population, economy, society and culture; and, secondly, how important was the idea of such a divide to the geographical imaginations of contemporaries? A concluding essay by the editors reviews the social construction of England's geography and history and the significance of the North-South divide as a cultural metaphor.

Review of the hardback: 'All these essays were read with interest and pleasure and the editors can be congragulated on putting the volume together and ensuring that the production valujes are high ... I would recomend Geographies of England to anyone with an interest in England's historical geography.' Local Population Studies Review of the hardback: 'This is an important study, well organized and clear; it provides an effective means of understanding 'the cultural composition of England today' and should be read by all historians of the North (and the South!).' Northern History Review of the hardback: ' ... stimulating ... each chapter offers a fascinating account of English economy and culture, regionalism and identity.' The Agricultural History Review