A lecturer’s latest book is earning high praise.
Alwyn Turner, senior lecturer in British cultural and literary history at the University of Chichester, has impressed critics with A Shellshocked Nation: Britain Between the Wars.
The book is the second in his four-part series on 20th-century Britain.
The Times said: "Turner is superb at hunting down fascinating nuggets, telling quotes and lively trivia that capture the everyday reality of Britain," while the Spectator called it “history at its most fun, immersive, human and revelatory."
Critics have particularly praised his storytelling and ability to uncover rich details about daily life in Britain between the wars.
Mr Turner said: "My favourite review was Juliet Nicolson saying that she wished I was her history teacher."
He credits his research-focused approach for the depth and texture of his work.
He said: "I find these kinds of details by obsessive reading of the newspapers of the time.
"For example, I found an article about naked sunbathing in Hendon and then I will look through the archives to find similar articles and make a rounder picture of the event."
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Mr Turner said he fully immerses himself in the era he writes about.
He said: "I listen to the music, watch the films, read the novels – I completely immerse myself in the popular culture of the era."
The book also asks wider questions about society at the time, examining why Britain resisted political extremism during a period of growing polarisation across Europe.
Mr Turner said: "The overarching theme of the book is why the British public was not interested in extreme politics at this time.
"This is interesting to me given the current world outlook."
Mr Turner has taught at the University of Chichester for 12 years and said his academic role and writing are closely connected.
He said: "It’s a reciprocal process. I am constantly researching for my lectures and student questions sometimes make me think of different areas to write about."
A Shellshocked Nation: Britain Between the Wars is available now.
More information about history courses at the University of Chichester can be found on their website.
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