This fully and beautifully illustrated book is the story of the great City, told through the main incidents and characters, containing all important and entertaining facts but without unnecessary detail. A fun and very informative read for you, and your friends and family.
In this book you can follow the growth and development of Liverpool in a series of themed chapters ~
A City Created for War; The City of the Sea; The Lords of Liverpool; A City of Architecture; The Maritime, Industrial, and Urban City Landscape; The World in One City; A Sporting City; The All-Singing All-Dancing City; and A City of Pioneers.
The story begins with the founding of 'Leverpul', in 1207, by King John, as a base from which to launch his invasion of Ireland, and as a garrison town. We read about its two, great fortifications, the grim Tower of Liverpool and the bastion of Liverpool Castle.
We then trace the development of the Harbour of Liverpool, and its growth and rise as one of the greatest seaports in the world.
This is also the story of the people of Liverpool, but also of the Monarchs, Aristocrats, and Merchant oligarchs who ruled over those people and the place.
Liverpool is internationally renowned for the beauty, quality, and range of its architecture. We learn though, how Liverpool has a few truly ancient buildings from before the 1940's, thanks to Adolf Hitler and his intensive and catastrophic bombing of the City, during World War Two.
Next, we learn about 'The Great Famine' and its impact on the people and City; and also about the urban reality of such a crowded urban environment, and the resulting poverty of so many of its citizens. But Liverpool, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries, was certainly a city of vast contrasts, but also one of evolving regeneration and renaissance, especially after the War from the 1980s. We particularly celebrate the great achievement of Liverpool being awarded the title of 'European Capital of Culture', in 2008.
Through the history of Liverpool's ancient and varied sporting culture (from bear-baiting to football), the book then looks at the history of entertainment over the centuries, and some of its most significant theatres, artists, and entertainers and, of course, its music.
Liverpool: A Potted History then closes with a look at some of the pioneers of Liverpool, who helped make the City the great place it became and remains.