No, I’m not talking about the match last night… a cause of ruffled feathers in some and delight in others, the latest edition of Lonely Planet Great Britain, as always, does not shy away from controversy.
Amongst its claims are that the North-South divide is a myth; Britons are described as "uninhibited, tolerant, exhibitionist, passionate, aggressive, sentimental, hospitable and friendly"; and the UK is on a par with Italy for its "magnificent cities", the guide says; it says that dynamic development has transformed the north of England dispelling the "grim up north" myth. In fact, they go so far as to say that Britain is on a par with Italy for "magnificent cities", for example:
Edinburgh is praised as "one of the most loveable cities on the planet"
Leeds is described as the "Knightsbridge of the north"
Manchester is hailed as "one of Britain's most exciting and interesting cities".
Liverpool, it adds, has thrown off its reputation as a city "full of smart-arse scallies who would as soon nick your car as tell you a joke".
By contrast, Worcester is said to be "smothered by modern architectural blunders and possessed of a rather soulless centre".
‘But what does it say about old Brum?’, I hear you cry – “Once a drab, grimy urban basket case... has spectacularly reinvented itself as a vibrant, cultural hot spot.”
Winging its way to the Library as we speak…
