The Kingdom by the Sea by Paul Theroux

The Kingdom by the Sea by Paul Theroux

In the bracing, often damp, air of the early 1980s—a time of national unease and looming change in Britain—acclaimed author Paul Theroux embarked on an audacious trek: to walk the entire coastline of Great Britain. His account, The Kingdom by the Sea, is far more than a log of miles covered; it's an immersive, sometimes caustic, yet deeply captivating portrait of a nation encountered step-by-step. Journey with Theroux along windswept Cornish cliffs, through faded seaside resorts, past decaying industrial ports, and into remote fishing villages. Through encounters with a diverse cast of Britons and powered by his famously keen observations and sharp wit, Theroux dissects the complexities of British life, culture, and landscape during the Thatcher and Falklands War era, revealing both enduring charm and poignant decline.

Why You’ll Love This Book

You'll be engrossed by Paul Theroux's masterful, incisive prose and his unflinching eye for the telling detail, making even familiar landscapes seem newly revealed. It offers an unforgettable and deeply insightful snapshot of Great Britain during a pivotal, complex moment in its recent history. This challenging, thought-provoking, and brilliantly written book remains a landmark achievement in modern travel literature.