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kirstenrose22's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book, I really did. But so many of the things that she describes as particularly English seemed..... awfully universal. As in, descriptive of typical Americans. So that made it kind of hard to enjoy it. The few sections that actually got into class differences or pub rules or whatnot were enjoyable, but there just wasn't enough of that stuff.
janiswong's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
A fantastically well-written book that captures the essence of the English. Fox is able to thread humour with observations and research that are presented in a way that is refreshing, witty, and balances academic study with a general reading seamlessly. Embodying much of what Fox writes, the book is fun to read and enjoyable whether or not you live in England or engage with the English. I didn't enjoy the last chapter on rites of passage as I found it slightly lackluster compared to other parts of the book, but would definitely recommend it.
britishkoalatea's review against another edition
3.0
I much preferred the first edition, this second edition is huge and feels harder to get through. Just read the conclusion chapter & use it as a reference book.
trin's review against another edition
4.0
A really amusing anthropological look at the English by an Englishwoman. Fox’s sense of humor is what really makes this book; it’s a bit long and repetitive at parts—skewing too much toward being an academic text when what I want (need) it to be is a work of popular science—but Fox’s own innate “Oh, come off it!” reaction always pulls through in the end. Somewhat frightening: how much of Fox’s “grammar of Englishness” I find applicable to myself—social awkwardness, humor, cynicism, belief in fair play… Bloody hell! Sodding, blimey, shagging, knickers, bollocks… Oh, God! I’m English!
patiolinguist's review against another edition
4.0
I found that it got a bit repetitive after a while and I started skipping the summary at the end of every chapter. Nonetheless, it was a witty, enjoyable and interesting read.
radomu's review against another edition
5.0
Informative, entertaining, and difficult to put down. Doesn't really account for regional differences that well, but a minor blemish in a comprehensive, well-written account of Englishness.
frithf's review against another edition
4.0
How British are YOU? ANd what makes a Briton? As entertaining, readable and thought-provoking anthropology on a first-world culture, this book is as necessary as it is unusual - examining the unacknowledged makeup of culture usually taken for granted. If you, English-speaking person of the 'mainstream' or 'global culture', have ever stated "I don't really have a culture", read this book and change your mind.