This richly illustrated history explores every aspect of life in Manchester. Manchester is noted for the 'Industrial Revolution' - its factories, working-class people and urban development all based around its production of cotton textiles. But this is not the complete story. Manchester has always been a more vibrant place which dates back to Roman times. This book traces the development of this important city and its people from the earliest times to the present, where each period in its progress links to the next. The history of Manchester is very much based around its people, who were often pioneers, whether this be the first railway line, the first public library, fighting for greater political rights, or key wealth creators for the nation. As we advance through the twenty-first century, Manchester's role in the United Kingdom remains undiminished as it becomes ever more cosmopolitan and a northern powerhouse of economic, social and political progress.

From its status as the world's first industrialised city, through late twentieth-century decline and subsequent regeneration and rebirth as the 'Second City of the UK', Manchester has a proud and distinctive identity. This extraordinary history is embodied in the buildings that have shaped the city. Manchester in 50 Buildings explores the history of this rich and vibrant urban centre through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures. From Victorian classics such as the neo-Gothic Town Hall to the striking new additions to the city's skyline, such as Beetham Tower, this unique study celebrates the city's architectural heritage in a new and accessible way. Authors Deborah Woodman and Paul Rabbitts guide the reader on a tour of the city's historic buildings and modern architectural marvels.

Manchester is a modern and cosmopolitan city that is also home to a range of old and traditional public houses. Many of these establishments have retained their distinctive heritage, with some dating back to early modern times and many having witnessed key moments in the city's fascinating past. The nineteenth century in particular was a pivotal time in Manchester's history, and middle- and working-class daily life outside the factory was often centred around the inn, pub or alehouse. One's 'local' was a focal point for sociability, a centre for transportation, discussing politics, business transactions, and hosting meetings. This was also a key time for legislation that impacted on drink culture. The 1830 Beer Act and the arrival of the beerhouse radically changed the nature of drinking in the city. Brewing giants began to monopolise the industry by mopping up hostelries in an ever-growing tied-house system, which affected the style and quality of pubs, and these effects can often be seen in pubs that have survived into modern times, mainly through their architecture and design. Despite a current climate of pubs closing on a regular basis, the pub as an institution constantly reinvents itself to survive and many of Manchester's old-fashioned hostelries sit alongside modern offices and apartments. In this book, author Deborah Woodman takes an engaging and illuminating look at pubs in the city centre, which highlights a novel aspect of Manchester's history. Featuring a superb selection of colour and black and white images, Central Manchester Pubs will be of interest to locals, visitors and all those with connections to this exciting city.