Lecturer’s new history book praised for its ‘fascinating nuggets’ and fresh insights

The University of Chichester’s history lecturer Alwyn Turner has received glowing reviews for his newest book, A Shellshocked Nation: Britain Between the Wars, the second instalment in his four‑part series on 20th‑century Britain. 

The Times said: “Turner is superb at hunting down fascinating nuggets, telling quotes and lively trivia that capture the everyday reality of Britain.” Meanwhile, The Spectator described his book as “history at its most fun, immersive, human and revelatory.” 

Among the praise, one review stood out to Alwyn, who is the University’s Senior Lecturer in British Cultural and Literary History. “My favourite review was Juliet Nicolson saying that she wished I was her history teacher,” he said. 

Critics have highlighted the book’s rich storytelling and the details Alwyn uncovers about everyday life in interwar Britain. Alwyn attributes this depth to his meticulous research process.
“I find these kinds of details by obsessive reading of the newspapers of the time. For example, I found an article about naked sunbathing in Hendon and then I will look through the archives to find similar articles and make a rounder picture of the event.” 

He also draws on the popular culture of the era to enrich the book’s atmosphere.
“I listen to the music, watch the films, read the novels – I completely immerse myself in the popular culture of the era.” 

While the book has been widely praised for its detail, it is also being recognised for tackling big questions about Britain’s rejection of political extremism during a time when much of Europe was becoming increasingly polarised. “The overarching theme of the book is why the British public was not interested in extreme politics at this time… This is interesting to me given the current world outlook,” Alwyn explained. 

Alwyn, who has taught at the University of Chichester for 12 years, says his teaching continues to shape his work. “It’s a reciprocal process. I am constantly researching for my lectures and student questions sometimes make me think of different areas to write about.” 

A Shellshocked Nation: Britain Between the Wars is available now. For more information on history courses at the University, please go to www.chi.ac.uk/history.