In this history of swimming and British Culture you will discover that after years of discouragement by the Church, Britain led the world into a new association with water. Swimming and bathing took on unbelievable popularity, and as the Empire grew, so our culture spread abroad. The rivers, lakes and canals of this green and pleasant land became home to throngs of swimmers young and old. Yet Britain's pride in its swimming heritage has not endured. Today those who venture into rivers to enjoy their sport are termed 'wild swimmers' and are viewed, at best as eccentrics, though more often they are seen as lawbreakers. Wild Swimming guide books direct us to out of the way beauty spots where we can swim secretly away from the disapproving gaze of critics, but prejudice is evident everywhere. Hung Out to Dry is unlike any other book on this subject. Rather than bemoaning the fact that our freedom to swim has been restricted, it provides answers to the burning question that all wild swimmers have at one time asked: 'how did a nation of outdoor swimmers find themselves chased out of the water, rounded up and confined to indoor swimming pools?'

Through this book you will discover how pride turned to prejudice as swimmers sparked the development of our unique culture of prudishness. I feel that it is only when the problem is truly understood that we can hope to encourage change. The last decade has not been easy for me. Researching and writing this book has been especially challenging due to my difficulties with dyslexia. Coming from the working class and lacking the education so many take as a prerequisite for publishing a book, I have ended up having to publish it myself. However, having learnt to use a computer and with the help of my dear wife, slow progress has been made despite my many commitments. To enhance the message I have invested hundreds of pounds in photographs from the Hulton Getty collection, which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Now that the first part of my struggle is over, I am beginning the process of promoting my work. I hope that you will decide to take the plunge, buy my book and share my findings. After reading it you may feel inclined to help publicise my work, so that through it many will come to understand why the swimmer has been hung out to dry! One thing I can promise you, once you have read this book of  swimming history, you will see the British in a new light.

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