The man's a genius - Rated 
'It is the mark of a good book that it makes you look at the world with fresh eyes, like an immersion in a good novel can, or a long visit to a gallery that you've never been to before: every time I put this book down I felt like I'd emerged blinking from the cinema on a sunny afternoon, and I wanted to go back in and see the film again straight away, and that's how this book grabs you. --Yorkshire Post'
I put this review in again if you missed it earlier because this so wonderfully sums up the author's uncanny talent for making us look at the seemingly ordinary with new eyes. This book makes a wonderful companion to the first in what I hope will be a long series and takes you on a trip from Nissen huts to Adlestrop, with custard powder, Bournville, book cover art, canals and Christmas Past with the author thrown in for good measure. Luscious illustrations, great photography, interesting anecdotes. If you love England, this book will make you smile. The government should create a ministry for this man to preserve and promote what is great about our land. The man's a genius.
Another splendid collection - Rated
Peter Ashley's sequel to Unmitigated England is another splendid collection of photos, pictures and thoughts on the England that has partly vanished but is still there if you look hard enough down less-travelled lanes, behind hedgerows and around the corners of your memory.
A range of topics are covered from children's books to cricket to canals. I particularly liked the chapter on English artists from the last century and recognised many of the pictures from my childhood.
Peter Ashley writes extremely well - his tone is very personal, intelligent and slightly cynical but never bitter. His affection and passion for his England jumps off the pages from his words and from his wonderful photos and artwork. His set of Christmas cards are totally enchanting: please, Peter - could we buy them from your website?
I'd recommend buying two copies: one to keep and one to give as a gift!
Everyday English passions - Rated
A wonderful second book from Peter Ashley. Especially good because it carries on the idea of the first book in the same format, (though I preferred the semi matt paper in the earlier edition).
All the usual goodies are included, for example: how to watch cricket, post box collection or reading books and a cup of cocoa. `Sunlight on the Meccano' is an interesting chapter about products that more or less became part of English life like Bird's Custard, Bovril, Cadbury's, the Bisto Kids, Spratt's, the Robertson's Golly and off course Meccano. I think the strength of both books is the blending of nostalgic commercialism with the accepted traditional Englishness of the countryside and buildings.
A delightful chapter is the `Ghosts of Christmas Past' with a rich selection yuletide graphics and on pages ninety-one and two there are eight of the author's own lovely illustrations for his cards, each one features a Royal Mail post van. The last chapter `English Letters' is a subject close to Peter Ashley's heart as he used to work for a printer and he writes lovingly of everyday type and popular signage.
If you bought the first book you'll definitely want this sequel and I'm hoping there will be a third (and fourth) book, too.
***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.
An England lost and found - Rated
Betjeman eat your heart out! A cracking sequel to Unmitigated England, one of my favourite books last year.
More from Unmitigated England - Rated
What a wonderful book! Peter Ashley points out the best things about England - everything from post boxes and canal boats to a whole chapter on Christmas. A perfect present for all ages.
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