Gerald and Marc Hoberman's England captures a land of originality and diversity, of creativity and colour. The country may be small, but it certainly is not homogeneous.
Contrasts are everywhere.
While tradition is an integral part of English life, the process of time marches on. In the country, a shepherd may be encountered with a traditional crook, but his transport is likely to be modern. There are country lanes no wider than the width of a car, that twist and turn, but also a modern motorway network that turns above and below itself in amazing complexity. Despite the concentration of towns and cities, it is still possible to motor for an hour in the Pennines and not see another human being. Then, of course, there are the stately homes, castles, country cottages, ancient monuments and the follies that were built for no particular purpose other than to satisfy the eccentric whim.