British Culture: An Introduction provides a comprehensive introduction to central aspects of culture and the arts in Britain today, and uses a factual approach to place them within a clear, historical context.
Topics include:
* the social and cultural setting: politics and society 1950-1999, including immigration, feminism, Thatcherism and the arts and the Blair revolution
* language and culture: accents and minority languages, broadcasting and public life
* the novel, poetry and theatre
* cinema: Hammer Horror, James Bond, Ealing comedies, black British film, Trainspotting, The Full Monty and historical epics
* television and radio: soap opera, crime series and sitcoms
* popular music and fashion: The Beatles, punk, Britpop, subculture and style
* art and sculpture: Bacon, Hockney, Gilbert and George and Hirst
* architecture and interiors.
Each chapter focuses on key themes of recent years, and gives special emphasis to outstanding artists within each area. The book also strengthens study skills, through follow-up activities and suggestions for further reading which appear at the end of each chapter. A real must-read for all students of British history and culture.