The Book of Manchester

About

Manchester has a reputation for being one of the UK’s loudest cities. From its smoggy inception as the first industrial city to its proud traditions of protest and activism, to blazing a trail in the British music scene, the city has always been defined by an inexorable sense of urgency and activity. No wonder, then, that it feels compelled to shout so loudly about its accomplishments. 

In stark contrast, The Book of Manchester is more concerned with dialling down that sometimes deafening hubris. As international investment pours into the city, reshaping its skyline, these stories ask: at what cost? From the pair of homeless friends intent on shattering the ‘Manctopia’ property dream, to the middle-aged fangirl feeling abandoned by both her husband and her city, we follow the struggles of ordinary residents navigating a city in dramatic flux – stories of thrilling quietude that might otherwise be lost amid the roar and clamour.

Press

'The Book of Manchester weaves together a diverse tapestry of experiences. The authors explore not only the city’s transformations, but also how these shifts ripple through the everyday lives of its people.' - Mag North

‘The collection… contains the true feeling of this city. The wild and broken heart of a metropolis, staggering between drunken boasting and a grinding hollowness where meaning and beauty ought to be… This is the perfect book for someone who loves Manchester but also sees its flaws.’ - Manchester Review of Books

'The Book of Manchester portrays the city in a much more introspective light amidst the city’s thriving urban landscape through the exploration of themes such as gentrification, love and loss, queer relationships, alienation and the city’s post-war and post-industrial decline to the aspirational ‘Manctopia’ through the lenses of Manchester’s ordinary residents and their everyday struggles and experiences.’ - aAh! Magazine