How to Survive in Ration Book Britain (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 216
Illustrations: 50 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036117627
Published: 30th November 2025
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This guide, How to Survive in Ration-Book Britain, will help the time-traveller who journeys back to mid-twentieth century Britain. From 1939 to 1945, the country is involved in World War Two and even after victory is achieved, Britain is cash-strapped and years of austerity follow. Throughout, food, clothing, fuel, furniture and items we take for granted today are rationed and people are scrimping, scraping and using their imagination just to get by.
As cities and towns are bombed, lives lost and homes destroyed, men are called to serve the country, children are evacuated and women are expected to ‘do their bit’ on the ‘Home Front’, maintaining the house as a place of welcome, boosting morale and stretching meagre food allowances to keep everyone fed and fit. This is no easy life yet people find lighter moments and ‘carry on carrying on’. Whatever the disaster, somebody will find a way to make tea. The English ‘cuppa’ is the answer to almost every problem. You have to admire their spirit.
Enjoy the experience as this book helps you to survive the hazards and live life to the full in Ration-Book Britain.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Jill Speedman
What an interesting book! I was so curious to learn about this time period and I found this book to very informative and helpful understanding it.
I loved this! A great read for DIY-ers, feminists, and history buffs. The mood is light and readable considering the topic - the fatalities of wartime (and other sad bits, like sending kids to the countryside for safety) are respected but not the focus of the book. The book lives up to its promise: here’s what to know about surviving and thriving in WW2 England, as if you were a time traveler. The author’s personal photos and tidbits from her mother are well-placed and sweet. The history really comes to life this way - how would you prepare your meals, talk (or not talk!) to neighbors, or entertain yourself? So many details about how people got creative, like decorating their required gas mask bags (which may have actually contained their lunches.) Will absolutely check out the author’s other titles and suggest this book to my shoppers.
NetGalley, Novie Nim
About Toni Mount
Toni Mount researches, teaches and writes about history. She is the author of several popular historical non-fiction books and writes regularly for various history magazines. As well as her weekly classes, Toni has created online courses for www.MedievalCourses.com and is the author of the popular Sebastian Foxley series of medieval murder mysteries. She’s a member of the Richard III Society’s Research Committee, a costumed interpreter and speaks often to groups and societies on a range of historical subjects. Toni has a Masters Degree in Medieval Medicine, Diplomas in Literature, Creative Writing, European Humanities and a PGCE. She lives in Kent, England with her husband.