Legacy : The Remarkable History of J Lyons and the Family Behind It

''I was riveted: this is a fascinating social history.'' NIGELLA LAWSON

''Five stars... history on a scale at once intimate and grand.'' TELEGRAPH

A panoramic new history of modern Britain, as told through the story of one extraordinary family, and one groundbreaking company.

This is the story of how a family transformed themselves from penniless immigrants to build a company that revolutionised the way we eat, drink and are entertained. For over a century, Lyons was everywhere. Its restaurants and corner houses were on every high street, its coffee and tea in every cup, its products in every home. But it was a victory that was not easily won.

Told through the lives of five generations, Legacy is at once intimate and sweeping, charting the tragedy and unimaginable success of one of Britain''s most famous families. It is also an illuminating new exploration of Britain and its place in the world, from the bestselling author of Hanns and Rudolf and The House by the Lake.

''A magnificent book... endlessly fascinating.'' JEWISH CHRONICLE

''How the Lyons company took on the world... a satisfying slab of dynastic history.'' GUARDIAN, ''Book of the Day''

''Written with love and imagination... a masterclass in historical empathy.'' TLS

''An affectionate and colourful family history.'' FINANCIAL TIMES

''Rich... Fascinating... Harding is to be congratulated on this panoramic history.'' EVENING STANDARD

''Endlessly fascinating and hard to put down... this is a tour de force.'' JULIA NEUBERGER