Up and Down in the Dales by Gervase Phinn
Up and Down in the Dales is Gervase Phinn’s account of life as an English school inspector in Yorkshire. Its episodes range from visits to small Dales primary schools to more challenging inner-city settings, mixing schoolroom surprises with colleagues and family life.
At a glance
- A memoir-style collection based on Phinn’s work as an English inspector in Yorkshire schools.
- The listing describes both small Dales schools and inner-city comprehensive settings.
- Episodes include school visits, exchanges with colleagues and the author’s home life.
Reference price: £12.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionOften bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines humorous school anecdotes with accounts of rural and urban school settings.
- The listed 352-page length provides a substantial collection of episodes.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as engaging, amusing and informative about Dales life and schools.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Penguin |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 24 Sept. 2009 |
| Edition | First Penguin Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0141011319 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0141011318 |
| Weight listed | 249 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 2.1 x 19.8 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in humorous memoirs about schools and teaching.
- Those looking for stories set in Yorkshire and the Dales.
- Readers who enjoy light, episodic accounts that combine humour with more moving observations.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a technical guide to education or a novel rather than personal school-inspector stories.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
73% 73% - 4 stars
21% 21% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes this as an enjoyable, light read with well-told stories, humour and moments of sensitivity. Readers also report that it brings Dales life and schools into view. That combination suits buyers seeking an accessible 352-page collection of school-inspector anecdotes, though the feedback does not establish that every episode or tone will appeal to every reader.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback highlights readable storytelling, humour and engaging narration.
- Readers describe the stories as both amusing and moving, and find them informative about Dales life and schools.
Frequently asked questions
What is Up and Down in the Dales about?
It recounts Gervase Phinn’s experiences as an English school inspector in Yorkshire, including visits to schools and interactions with pupils and colleagues.
How long is this edition?
The listing specifies a print length of 352 pages.
Is this a novel?
The listing presents it as accounts of Phinn’s experiences as a school inspector, rather than identifying it as a novel.
Alternative options
Why my Mother Went Away
£5.00
Ish
£7.06
Claire For Khaled: Can Friendship Cross Borders?
£8.49
Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From!
£5.50
Twitch: A pacy mystery series celebrating friendship, bravery and the magic of nature, perfect for age 9+ (The Twitchers)
£5.96
The House at the Edge of Magic: An instant New York Times bestseller. A hilarious and heartwarming magical middle grade adventure - for readers age 8-10: 1
£6.17
On The Market: A Feel-Good British Country-House Novel of Love, Laughter and Village Life (The Chalkewood Tales Book 1)
£2.99
The Other Side of the Dale
£9.75
Head Over Heels in the Dales
£11.09
Chalk Dust and New Chapters: A BRAND NEW charming 1950s Yorkshire tale of compassion, community and romance (The Yorkshire Teacher Series, 1)
£10.97
Gervase Phinn Top Of The Dales Series Collection 3 Books Set (The School at the Top of the Dale, Tales Out of School, A Class Act)
£10.49
