The results of a poll from the British people are online this evening, detailing some of the things they love most about their country. The Telegraph is reporting that 7,000 participants took part in this poll which voted Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling (34th place) and British audio book narrator Stephen Fry (21st place) among the things that the British people hold in high regard. Such other iconic figures in Britain as The Beatles, James Bond, the Queen, Stonehenge, and fish and chips, which came in first place, were also included on the list. Andrew Smith, a spokesperson for the company which sponsored the list, feels this list “gives a fascinating insight into exactly what it means to be British – our food, history, Royalty, our many wonderful characters and all the fabulous places we love to visit.” You can find the complete list of the “Best of British Top 50” via this link.
That’s really funny! Everytime I listen to the audio books (Jim Dale version) the descriptions of food always end up making me hungry. She really makes the food sound wonderful, but you never say anyone eating Fish and Chips!
Posted by Ravenclaw from Glenn on June 25, 2008, 03:42 AM
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Fish and Chip beat them all!
That’s really funny! Everytime I listen to the audio books (Jim Dale version) the descriptions of food always end up making me hungry. She really makes the food sound wonderful, but you never saw anyone eating Fish and Chips!
Posted by Ravenclaw from Glenn on June 25, 2008, 03:42 AM
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She should be have been ranked higher! Oh well, she’s always one of the Top 5 greatest authors for me, so, doesn’t matter! Go Jo! Btw, I’m still waiting for this week’s PotterCast…it’s a bit delayed isn’t it?
No -Stephen is one of our national treasures as Jo would be the first to admit.
I am glad for both of them but as I have said before, its one of the totally unexplicable mysteries of “Potter life” that Americans do not get to hear what are effectively, the authorised versions of the book as read by Stephen. After all, Jo’s children listen to them and so should those in that great country without whose support, we would not have the films and much else besides.
Sounds a bit Chruchillian ! Well -you know what I mean ….
They must have asked 7,000 tourists, who spend every holiday in the UK! It’s a seriously cliched list. I mean, we are in “Engerland swings like a pendulum do / Bobbies on bicycles two by two..” territory here.
That said, Stephen Fry, a ubiquitous presence on radio as well as television in Blighty (and BBC Radio 4 really is the most wonderful media outlet on the planet – tune in 6.30 pm on weekdays) is a treasure, as is JK of course.
The best thing about living in England is the weather. It may not be that great, but we have more of it than anywhere else.
What I find interesting is that no-one from the cricket, football, rugby or tennis worlds was mentioned, despite the fact that all these sports have a lot of air time and newspaper coverage. All of these sports are British in origin but apparently there isn’t a dominant figure who inspires enough pride to be placed on this list. Looked at from that point of view the inclusion of Joanne Rowling becomes much more significant.
Apart from one or two notable exceptions coughBlackpoolcough, I’d agree with that list though not necessarily in that order. Buck House for eg cannot possibly compare with The Tower.
Stephen Fry, as has already been said, is far more to us than just the narrater of the HP audio books – the fact he does that too, is just a wonderful bonus – the man is without doubt the most wonderful story teller, speaker, actor and presenter.
Posted by karen (the one without the avatar!) on June 25, 2008, 07:45 AM
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I agree with others about Stephen Fry. Much as I love HP books and films, he definitely deserves to rank higher than Jo on this list. He’s far more to British culture than just HP audio books. His status is such that for his 50th birthday they did a retrospective documentary about his career and not many people can boast that kind of attention while still alive and active. People may not be aware that he rescripted the major musical Me and My Girl when just out of University, so his distinguished career spans a long time!
RE the list being cliche, I’m not so sure. These are mostly also things that I would rate highly even as a Brit (with one or two exceptions). I like nothing better than a Sunday Roast in a traditional pub, with Yorkshire pudding, or a cream tea (with clotted cream) in a Madam Puddifoot type of tea shop, or fish and chips on a sunny day in a seaside resort somewhere, though it would be somewhere like Lyme Regis rather than Blackpool!
Interesting that Prince Harry is the only Royal besides the Queen to get an individual mention. I have a soft spot for him too.
Honestly people, some of you have no idea just how amazing, inspiring and endearing Stephen Fry is, seriously go look him up and everything he has done NOW! He would definetly be on my dream dinner party list (along with Jo of course), its a huge honour to have somebody with such integrity, wit and remarkable intelligence to be a fan and narrator of the HP books. He’s not famous and respected here for just doing that, believe me. I really hate that cliche national treasure but… he really is!!
Yeah and I’m with you Kate, who likes Morris dancing?? (or Margaret Thatcher for that matter!)
Its weird that Stephan Fry beat her though? Still great for both of them.
First post?