Culture and travel

Few nations rival the rich history, artistic achievement and contemporary verve of Britain. But who are the British? What does it mean to be British and is there such a thing as British culture? There has never been a time when the question has occasioned so much debate. Speak the Culture: Britain peels back the layers of this rich and complex heritage, exploring the factors - historical, political, cultural, artistic - that make the British tick.

Speak the Culture: France will lead you to the nation's soul. This easy to use cultural companion considers how it feels to have grown up with Flaubert, CÄzanne and Bardot; it captures the flavours of French regional cuisine, paints the colour of festival life and delves deep into the Gallic psyche.

The fourth title in a groundbreaking series designed to sit alongside travel and language guides, providing an indispensable insight into national culture

The fifth book in Thorogood’s groundbreaking series of cultural guides takes Poland as its subject. Written and produced in collaboration with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Speak the Culture: Poland provides a fast track to understanding the key events, figures and customs of this richly creative country in the heart of Europe.

Speak the Culture: Spain, the second in the Speak the Culture series explores the culture of everyday Spanish life - from politics to wine, sport to folk music - building an engaging, superbly designed insight into what it means to be Spanish in the 21st century. By the time you get there you'll know exactly what makes the locals tick.