Holidays from the Past

Holidays from the Past offers a captivating journey through the evolving landscape of British leisure and travel, a theme Paul Atterbury expertly unpacks with his characteristic blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling. In this delightful volume, Atterbury transports readers to bygone eras, meticulously detailing the aspirations, challenges, and sheer joy associated with taking a holiday, from bracing seaside escapes to intrepid journeys abroad. His keen eye for social history shines through as he explores the changing fashions, the modes of transport, and the very essence of what made a holiday special for generations of Britons, making it a fascinating exploration of how our collective memories of leisure have been shaped. This book’s inclusion among Paul Atterbury’s best is well-deserved due to its unique ability to connect the past with the present. Atterbury doesn’t just present historical facts; he weaves a narrative that resonates with our own contemporary experiences of planning and enjoying time away. His deep knowledge of design, popular culture, and social trends allows him to illuminate the often-unsung aspects of historical holidays, from the design of travel posters to the evolution of luggage. Holidays from the Past is more than just a history book; it's an affectionate and insightful tribute to the enduring human desire for escape and relaxation, showcasing Atterbury at his most accessible and insightful.