'Le Vay's catalogue of British oddities is so impressive that EU commissioners might question whether such a nation should remain within the Union.' Anthony Sattin, The Sunday Times 'A wonderful barmy guide.' The Daily Telegraph 'The ultimate guide to some of Britain's most idiosyncratic sights, curious ceremonies and intriguing moments.' Best of British 'Finally a guidebook has been published which celebrates the slightly less strait-laced side of the British Isles. Written by Benedict le Vay, Eccentric Britain covers all aspects of our weird ways. For day trips this book is a must; you can visit Nowhere in Kent and drink at the Pub With No Name in Hampshire. Rumour has it there's even a pub in Portsmouth called the Jolly Taxpayer. Now that really is weird.' The Times 'There are a great many people around the world who look at Mr Bean and believe they are seeing a true portrait of your average Brit. Now, we all know that this isn't so. But just how close we come to being a nation of Beans is made clear by this new guide to Eccentric Britain. The book grew from a series of newspaper articles. Urged to find out more about our stranger manners and customs, sports, festivals and even buildings, Le Vay spent five years gathering his material. The resulting catalogue of oddities is so impressive that I won't be surprised to see EU commissioners reaching for their rule books to question whether such a nation should remain within the Union. It includes such eccentricities as the Walrus Dip, a fancy-dress swim near Llanelli on Boxing Day, and the man in Bristol whose house and everything in it dates from 1937. This book you armchair, but, should you feel the need to see it for yourself, brief practical details will help you on your way.' Sunday Times 'The lovely pictures on these pages are intended for discriminating readers, who like their eccentrics spontaneous and a la carte.' Vanity Fair
