Join author Tim Burrows as he discuses his latest book about Gods own county, Essex.

Essex. A county both famous and infamous: the stuff of tabloid headlines and reality television, consumer culture and right-wing politicians. England’s dark id.

But beyond the sensationalist headlines lies a strange and secret place with a rich history: of smugglers and private islands, artists and radicals, myths and legends. It’s where the Peasants’ Revolt began and the Empire Windrush docked. And – from political movements like Brexit to cultural events like TOWIE – where Essex leads, the rest of us often follow.

Deeply researched and thoroughly engaging, The Invention of Essex shows that there is more to this fabled English county than meets the eye.

A love letter to a county whose variety and richness is so often overlooked because it fails to adhere to the dreary English ideal of picturesque gentility. Burrows digs deep. He meanders like a creek. Nothing is off limits. It’s a stellar performance. The first picture caption sets the tone: ‘Aerial view of mud’ — Jonathan Meades

Evocative and smart … Essex is often a prism through which England is seen, whether in terms of housing, politics, art or land … beautifully written, with intelligence and heart’ — Amy Liptrot, author, * The Instant *

Tim Burrows has written the most insightful, thorough, hilarious and at times poignant investigation of place, of people, of history and of belonging. I loved every page. The way Tim weaves his own family and experience into such a detailed and well-researched narrative of geography, sociology and history is masterful. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in identity, landscape, family and the concept of home. This book deserves to do brilliantly well and will launch Burrows into the public consciousness as one of our great living writers. — Nell Frizzell, author * Holding the Baby *

A lively tour of a place everyone thinks they know, but seldom understand – and a great book about a built landscape of social mobility, both collective and individualistic – and how quickly one can curdle into the other before anyone has noticed — Owen Hatherley, author * Red Metropolis: Socialism and the Government of London *

Burrows digs beneath the sensationalism and red-top headlines to paint a deeply sensitive and engaging portrait of a misunderstood county and its people — ‘The Books to Read in 2023’ * Financial Times *