Non-fiction book about the history of Manchester focusing on its pre-eminence in music and entertainment. Starting in the 19th century and continuing to the end of the 20th, the author investigates the things that make Manchester such an important place for music, style, youth culture and innovation. Written by the Hacienda's most famous DJ turned author Dave Haslam. Cover design of the first edition uses Aidan O'Rourke's 1998 View of Manchester city centre from Portland Tower.

See original Portland Tower here

Exciting and pacey, but also absorbing and erudite, this account is written from the perspective of someone who was at the centre of Manchester's whirlwind musical revolution of the 1980's. I loved the cover design by 4th Estate with its dark background, ripped paper and anarchic cutout lettering with my photo, though slightly squashed, at the top. Disappointed they ditched it in the second edition.

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Keywords: Books, recommended, reviewed, Manchester, music, Dave Haslam, book cover design