| An American's View Of Britain In
The Early 1970s |
| I was recently given a book entitled An American Guide
To Britain, written by Robin W. Winks in the early 1970s. The first part
of the book is an introduction to the British way of life for the
American visitor, to put him at ease 'when faced with the strange habits
of a foreign country'. You don't have to dip far into the book before
realising that Robin Winks, a self confessed anglophile, has a
remarkable eye for British foibles, and his astute observations are
enlightening, funny, and a poignant reminder of life in Britain the
early 1970s.
When staying in a country hotel, the American reader is
advised…'at all times one is quiet -really quiet. No loud noises or
conversation at the breakfast or dinning table…when entering it is
expected you will return to the same table previously occupied… say a
discrete, 'good morning' to the carpet or chandelier and otherwise keep
your voice down. The British are using these moments to order their
thoughts. At breakfast, taking your newspaper to the table helps provide
a means of getting through those silences which Americans find
embarrassing… Above all, remember that meals are served at prescribed
hours. If you arrive for lunch at 2.30, and lunch 'went off' at 2.00,
you will not get served'.
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Robin Winks was a Professor of History at Yale University,
and prize winning travel writer.br />
Between 1969-71 he served as a cultural attaché to the American
Embassy in London. |
| Robin Winks lived in Britain for two years, working at
the American Embassy in London. He enjoyed driving, and admired the
picturesque countryside, which he explored extensively. Drawing from
experience he explains to the American tourist…'The British love to
drive…and provide a landscape which is exceptionally lovely from the
road. Roads in Britain, while narrow are well marked and safe, and
outside of the major cities at least, no more crowded than at home'… He
further comments on driving at night …'in a large city, such as London,
most cars will drive with their parking lights on at night, and without
headlamps, even when dimmed. This seems a little mysterious, even
romantic at first, as though all those cars are hurrying to a secret
rendezvous and did not wish to attract attention to themselves…the
British do not like noise, and they use the horn infrequently… they give
way at roundabouts to all traffic from the right, and they keep the
traffic flow moving, even in London, so that traffic-jams like those
experienced daily by New Yorkers seldom occur.' |
| Travelling by rail… 'Rail travel in Britain is
particularly pleasant. Although the British complain incessantly of the
service given them by their nationalised railroad, they have little to
complain about… in over a hundred journeys, only twice was I more than
ten minutes late… you are not required to speak to other people, and may
observe a discrete silence, and content yourself with contemplating the
passing countryside…If you value your sanity, and perhaps your life,
avoid at all costs so-called 'football specials'. |
| The American Guide To Britain describes the British
Underground as being the best in the world. Winks writes, 'I have ridden
them in dozens of cities. Some (Montreal) are cleaner, and some
(Hamburg) are faster, and some (Lisbon) are cheaper. But none are so
much fun, so efficiently organised, or well marked. Usually you will
descent by escalator. Keep to the right… study the suggestive and even
happily indecent advertisements for lingerie that abound in the
Underground'. |
| When it comes to using the phone…British etiquette on
the telephone is courteous but terse, and is sometimes taken by
Americans as rude. Ring a shop to ask whether they have product X and if
the answer is 'No' they will say so and immediately hang up… In private
homes you may see a small box or cup near the telephone. This is meant
for your quiet deposit of the cost of the call, leave 10p when in doubt. |
| Robin Winks gives clear guidance to the American tourist
on how to make themselves understood… 'The British may call you a Yankee
even though you may be from Georgia. Don't be offended and don't waste
your breath explaining it. In turn, don't call the English Limeys. Or
the Scots Scotch. The waitress may call you 'luv' or 'ducks' or 'dear.
She is not propositioning you, and not even being friendly. Do not reply
in kind'. |
| On food and drink, the American Guide To Britain
explains to its readers… 'Food in Britain was bad in the 1950s, but
since then a stream of foreigners have come into the country to give it
the most cosmopolitan air of any in Europe… It is still true that a
really good British meal- of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast
potatoes and crisp Brussels sprouts, for example is very difficult to
find. The British overcook their vegetables, they are improving in their
grasp of the green salad but still have a long way to go… The British
are people of integrity. This also means they are inflexible. I once
attempted to get a waitress to bring me an order of 'hamburger and egg
with the egg left off, and she refused, since the menu did not list
hamburger. The idea that I would pay the full price for half the dish
shocked her so deeply; she never found our table again… British beer
comes in both bottles and draught: the latter is more fun. The British
consider our beer to be far too light and aerated: conversely, theirs
strikes many Americans as too heavy, bitter, strong, and warm. The main
species are Mild, Bitter, Stout, Lager, Brown Ale, and Pale Ale. The
breweries make special brews and usually own the pubs, so that you'll
find John Courage or Double Diamond abound. |
| The Guide is loaded general warnings. For example, Winks
explains that the British work on military time, which means five
minutes early... 'Trains scheduled to leave at 8.03 leave about 30
seconds before that'…When invited to dinner… 'If the invitation read
7.00 for 7.30, this means come at 7.00 if you want a drink, and that
you'll be seated for 7.30, at which point do not expect to be given a
drink to catch-up'. The Author further warns the American reader… 'The
British consider 65deg. (18 deg C) an excellent indoor temperature… wear
a sweater'. |
| An American Guide To Britain, which came my way by
chance, opened a marvellous window through which we can look and laugh
at ourselves. Anybody who lived through those times will recognise the
British idiosyncrasies he lays bare. As to what extent we have changed
over the subsequent 35 years? Well, that's up to the reader to decide.
Robin Winks died in Connecticut in 2003. |
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