Liverpool - Wondrous Place: From the Cavern to the Capital of Culture [Paperback]

'This wonderfully thoughtful and entertaining book ... Du Noyer is an inspiring guide' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'Du Noyer's erudition and lightness of touch is a reward in itself ... An essential addition to the shelves of every serious rock fan' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Du Noyer's superb fully updated musical history of the 2008 Capital of Culture

No other city in the world is as well known or loved for its vibrant and definitive musical history as Liverpool. In 2002, Guinness World Records: British Hit Singles voted Liverpool 'World Capital of Pop', recognising that Liverpool's homegrown talent has produced more number one hit singles per capita than anywhere else in the world. In 2008, Liverpool will celebrate its crown as European Capital of Culture.

Paul Du Noyer's acclaimed book takes us on a tour of the rich musical history of his hometown, from the world-famous Cavern Club in Mathew Street, host to the Beatles' debut performance in 1961, to the city's musical future with contemporary bands like The Zutons. Featuring interviews with key figures of the music scene, this book reveals the creative impulse behind Britain's most musical city.

Find out why Liverpool is not just a place where music happens. The city is the reason music happens.

Once in a while a manuscript lands on your desk which really gets your pulse racing. Liverpool: Wondrous Place is one of those books. This definitive story of the Liverpool music scene has been a labour of love for Paul Du Noyer, one of Britain's top journalists and a Scouser himself. The book is a mine of information, whether you want to know about the first Liverpool pop star, Billy Fury, why Cilla was Britain's top female singer in the late '60s or how OMD maestro Andy McClusky created Atomic Kitten. Of course, there's a wealth of exclusive interview material with everyone from Paul McCartney to Ian Broudie, and a foreword by McCartney himself.

A landmark in music writing and a stunning book about Liverpool. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

What makes 'the Pool of Life' so different?

Music is the heart of Liverpool. No other city in the world is as well known and loved for its vibrant musical history; nowhere else has produced more number one hit singles per capita. The city's past life as a sin-ridden seaport, raked by disaster has given way to a town obsessed with entertainment, alive with excitement and possibility.

Paul Du Noyer takes us on a tour of the rich musical history of this uniquely creative yet notorious city, from the world-famous Cavern Club, host to the Beatles' debut performance, to the city's musical future. Featuring interviews with key figures, this acclaimed book reveals why Liverpool is not just a place where music happens: Liverpool is the reason why the music happens.

Paul Du Noyer was born and raised in Liverpool and has been writing about music for over twenty years. His credentials include assistant editor of the NME, editor of Q and founding editor of MOJO. His other books include a history of John Lennon's solo years.

'Masterful' GQ

'One of the best books ever written about the city' New Statesman

'Wonderfully thoughtful and entertaining... Thanks to his gentle erudition, his vivid evocation of the ruined grandeur of the streets and, above all, his thoroughly Liverpudlian sense of humour, Du Noyer is an inspiring guide' Sunday Times

Paul Du Noyer was born and raised in Liverpool and has been writing about music for over twenty years. His writing credentials include assistant editor of the NME, editor of Q and founding editor of MOJO. He was on the launch team for Heat and Word magazines and remains associate editor of the latter. His other books include a history of John Lennon's solo years, We All Shine On.