Pomp and Circumstance - by Penny Mordaunt & Chris Lewis (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"An intriguing, heartfelt and surprising elegy." - Rory Stewart "Jolly, exuberant and brimming with affection for Britain's rituals and traditions." - Dominic Sandbrook "You'd never have found Karl Marx at a morris dance." - Quentin Letts

In this extraordinary new book, former Secretary of State Penny Mordaunt and co-author Chris Lewis build on the success of their Sunday Times-bestselling Greater: Britain After the Storm to celebrate the traditions and values that underpin British life.

Pomp and Circumstance explores Britain's traditions - both the ancient and the new. From coronations and national events to local customs, they provide stability, reinforce identity and foster resilience to help us steer a course through the uncertainties of tomorrow. Nations, organisations and communities that have them thrive. Where they are absent, it is harder to adapt to the fast-changing world.

At a time of great worry about our ability to adapt to an uncertain world, this book should give every Briton confidence and courage. It contains a unique perspective from someone who has had a ringside seat at many of our national events and crises over many years. Mordaunt, who in her ceremonial role as Lord President of the Council famously carried the Sword of State and presented the Jewelled Sword of Offering to King Charles III at his coronation, examines areas of traditional British culture - including the monarchy, Parliament, the law, sport and local traditions, as well as values such as sacrifice, courage and remembrance - to show how a country often thought of as old-fashioned actually uses its historical conventions to navigate the future.

Far from being a brake on progress, our traditions offer a predictable rhythm to life, promote values, encourage reflection and create a sense of continuity while allowing room for innovation and growth.

About the Author

Rt Hon. Dame Penny Mordaunt was a UK Member of Parliament for fourteen years. She held four Cabinet roles, including Secretary of State for Defence, Secretary of State for International Development and Leader of the House of Commons. She was also previously a governor at the World Bank. Penny now works with organisations to improve lives across Britain and around the world.

Chris Lewis is author of the award-winning bestsellers Too Fast to Think, The Leadership Lab, The Infinite Leader and Greater: Britain After the Storm, which won Parliamentary Book of the Year. His most recent book, The Silent Rebellion, tells the story of social cause leadership in communities around the world. He is the founder of the global consultancy agency TEAM LEWIS.