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True Brits: A Tour of Britain In All Its Bog-Snorkeling, Shin-Kicking and Cheese-Rolling Glory

When JR Daeschner first witnessed cheese rolling, he was astounded. As an American who had lived in the UK for years, he knew the British could be a bit eccentric. However, nothing could prepare him for the sight of men-and women-flinging themselves off a grassy cliff in pursuit of a cheese. He soon realized that Britain has dozens of seemingly lunatic acts enshrined as traditions: events with strange names like gurning, shin kicking, horn dancing, and faggot cutting.

True Brits is the hilarious account of JR's trek around England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as a bit of Northern Ireland in London's backyard. From "Darkie Day" and the English summer "Olimpicks" to Pope burning on Bonfire Night, JR uncovers the people and places that make Britain great ... and at times, not so great.

In his quest to find out why the British do such extraordinary things, JR talks to countless characters, catches them in action, and even takes part in the events himself. Along the way, he discovers that these ancient pastimes provide surprising insights into 21st-century Britain-as well as America.

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 338
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9781585676569
  • Genres
  • travel, humor
  • Release date
  • 2005