England's Thousand Best Churches

Loads of information and good pictures but I had expected this to be a 'coffee table' book - I must not have read all the details - great to have but I would have preferred A4 size pages rather than the chunky but informative book which it is.

Churches are unique reminders of our forebears lives and history of the country as well as providing a place for continuing the religious lives of the future generations. What better way to marvel at the vision, skills and dexterity of our forebears and how easy with this book now to be able to prioritise for visiting and closer inspection those which were the X-factor winners of their day. The book is well written and of those churches listed which I have visited have found to be just so and worthwhile. The only issue I have is that I have to assume that Simon Jenkins has visited all churches and has identified the top 1000, but thats about me and not the book!

Item received on the expected date. Very good condition for a secondhand book that was wanted by my niece as part of her Birthday present.

Simon Jenkins' personal choice of England's "best churches, is presented on good quality paper in a slightly odd but reasonably logical modern-day county/administrative district order with a few old-fashioned variations like Rutland. each church gets a brief description and any noteworthy external and internal features. So far, so good, but overwhemingly the choice is medieval, Anglican with much notable non-conformist, catholic, modern and suburban gems crowded out. Compared to the Telegraph Guide to English Churches, a book half the size, the pictures rarely grab the attention as regards setting, architecture, aesthetics, or even religious symbolism. So recommended but there are more inspiring books available.

I lost my original copy of this book and I couldn't live without it! This time I bought a used one for .01 pence plus p & p. Amazing value and the book was in very good condition. I recommend everyone keeps a copy in their car so wherever you are you can visit one of these extraordinary churches. Simon Jenkins is a wonderful writer and brings each one to life.

This book is a gem. We originally saw it whilst at a holiday cottage, where it was in the library. Having so enjoyed dipping into it whilst away, as soon as we got back I ordered my own copy. This is a must-have, for anyone who loves churches for their beauty, their history, and the sheer brilliance of their architecture. We now have to tour the country seeing them all, book in hand.

A weighty volume but interesting and informative. So many locations that we knew nothing of. We have set ourselves the challenge of visiting as many sites as we can. So far - Cartmell and Wreay in Cumbria and Jordans in Bucks. All gems so far.

An excellent reference book for churches to have in the car when travelling round the country.