A Social History of the English Channel

A social history of the world’s busiest seaway

‘Engagingly written, and brilliantly researched, a treasure trove packed with rich nuggets of information. I loved and devoured it.’ – Peter James

‘A perfectly timed narrative history … No one who crosses the Channel can fail to learn from, and enjoy, this original and absorbing book.’ – Patrick Marnham

It was half a million years ago that Britain first parted from Europe. As ice melted, water smashed through the chalky land bridge that separated Britain from the continent of Europe, forming what we now know as the English Channel, and what the French call La Manche. The second parting, far from being a force of nature, was the choice of Britain’s islanders disillusioned with continental rule.

In The Busy Narrow Sea, Robin Laurance tells the story of the people whose lives have become entwined over the centuries with this iconic seaway, presenting a broad sweep of carefully researched historical fact lightened with a host of colourful anecdotes. This diverse tale covers artists captivated by its light; writers inspired by its power; tunnellers relishing its challenges; entrepreneurs turning fishing villages into smart resorts; smugglers ruling and adventurers conquering the waves; and much more besides, from Napoleon through the Second World War and into the modern day.