"With an estimated one surveillance camera in Britain for every 14 Britons, reality television has never been more invasive. As Ross Clark argues in this marvellous and timely book, such technology offers doubtful security. Violent crime has continued to rise since security cameras became more ubiquitous than litter bins. CCTV infrequently leads to prosecutions. It is often claimed that there is little fresh to explore in our world. But Clark attempted one last ingenious ascent into the unknown ? how to travel from Newmarket to Southend without being detected anywhere en route by surveillance cameras. He got as far as Southend pier itself before noticing the CCTV cameras mounted on the end of the pier. Yet, like the Hollywood action hero Jason Bourne, Clark managed to slip through the intelligence net undetected. Clark has again proved himself to be one of the most insightful and engaging commentators on modern Britain?s catalogue of absurdities. The moderate tone and wry humour of The Road to Southend Pier succeeds in making his argument all the more penetrating."
