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This is Birmingham: A Glimpse of the City's Secret Treasures [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Jan Bowman (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
RRP: £9.99
Price: £6.89 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Book Description

Publication Date: 10 Dec 2009
This is Birmingham presents a celebratory, illustrated history of Birmingham, UK, that explains--in verse--how Birmingham became the vibrant, diverse, and interesting city that it is today. Supported by colourful, lively illustrations, the text brings the city's history to life.

Through a graphic history of the Lunar Society--freethinkers, scientists, doctors, and inventors who played a leading role in the 18th-century Enlightenment--it describes how Birmingham was built by immigrants and illustrates some of the hidden treasures of this underrated city.

A glossary at the end gives more information on the people and places mentioned in this unique history. A map is also included. Aimed at ages 8 and up.

Frequently Bought Together

This is Birmingham: A Glimpse of the City's Secret Treasures + Birmingham (Pocket Guides)
Price For Both: £10.32

Buy the selected items together
  • Birmingham (Pocket Guides) by Thomas Cook Publishing Paperback £3.43

Product details

  • Paperback: 64 pages
  • Publisher: Waverley Books Ltd (10 Dec 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1902407938
  • ISBN-13: 978-1902407937
  • Product Dimensions: 27.8 x 21.4 x 1.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 279,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Jan Bowman Page
Jan Bowman
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Product Description

Review

"Jan's book is a deceptively simple, yet beautifully illustrated journey along the canals and through the back alleys of Birmingham's rich history ... from the Enlightenment through to the Industrial Revolution, ably guided via the Lunaticks, without whom this dynamic cultural melting pot we Brummies call home would be a very different place. This book will be top of my list not only for children this Christmas, but also for the grown-up kids still playing hide-and-seek in those back alleys." --Brian Travers, UB40, Birmingham

From the Back Cover

In the 18th century, Birmingham and England were very different from the places we see and know today. Our cities did not exist, the population was much smaller, and there were no machines. Most people worked in the fields or did craftwork at home and made their own wool.

Then, quite suddenly, in a burst of ideas and energy, a massive change began that we call the Enlightenment. Machines were invented, and a period of great inspiration and ingenuity led to the Industrial Revolution. Birmingham was key to Britain's Enlightenment.

A group of people--the Lunaticks--met in the city regularly to discuss ideas: how to end slavery, how to put light into the city, how to cure diseases, and how to help James Watt fund his steam engine. Without the Lunaticks, Britain's great leap forward to become the first industrial nation would not have happened.

The energy Birmingham shows today-- its art, its music, its business, and the fact the city is home to people from all over the world--is built on the dynamism it first showed 250 years ago.

This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book reveals some of the city's secrets, and celebrates them. Welcome to This is Birmingham.
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Customer Reviews

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4.9 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Kids and parents will love this book. 14 Dec 2009
By A. Small
Format:Paperback
'This is Birmingham' is a delight.
The illustrations of Birmingham, the city and the people are beautiful and the verse is uplifting and full of optimism. It was a pleasure to read out loud to my 5 and 7 year old daughters, who were genuinely engaged in this story of how human beings have shaped their environment.
This story is, of course, about how Birmingham developed to become the city it is today, but the theme of the positivity of human endeavour is universal.
It is a rare treat to find books for children which are loved by both parents and children alike, and this will definitely be one of them.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A well researched visual treat 2 May 2010
By Dr. Graham W. Nicholls
Format:Paperback
Jan bowman's book is a delight; what could have beeen a dry and didactic subject is in fact lively and absorbing. The poetry is informative and written with a light touch, the illustrations are witty and elegant. It's a rare thing - a book with an over-all feeling of optimism and delight in embracing changes in a well-loved city. This book will please adults and children alike.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A revelatory look at Birmingham 15 Dec 2009
By Nicholas Dirs
Format:Paperback
I always thought of Birmingham as a dull, grey Midlands city with little to recommend it. But Jan Bowman's brilliantly drawn book is an absolute eye-opener. This Is Birmingham combines fascinating history with vibrant detail of the modern city. Did you know Birmingham has half the bluebells in Europe? Or that it was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? The book is full of interesting snippets of information and beautiful pictures of places in Birmingham that make you want to go there right now. Buy it and go there!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Not only for children
If you like Birmingham you love that book. If you want to know Bimingham better it's a must-read.I got it yesterday and I'm really happy. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Dr Juliane Schwarz
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book for all ages
Jan Bowman is a great artist who has also turned her hand to this book which, while possibly aimed at children, is actually appropriate to all ages. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Focalplane
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspired and inspiring work
This is an inspired and inspiring beautifully written (in verse) and illustrated history of the city of Birmingham (affectionately known as Brum) from its fetid, superstitious and... Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2010 by B Hehir
5.0 out of 5 stars A vibrant look at a diverse colourful city
I was so captivated by this colourful book I had to read it cover to cover! I loved spotting all the familiar sights of Brum and reading up on the not so well known places, people... Read more
Published on 26 May 2010 by A. Raybould
4.0 out of 5 stars love the style of illustration
This book is really good for learning about Birmingham even for us Southerners ! I like the poetic lay out and the sketchy style of drawings. Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2010 by J.Mcminn
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly beautiful book!
I loved this book, it brought back lots of happy memories of my days living in Birmingham. It was a delight to be able to share this book with my children who have never been... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2010 by Joanna Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the future
I think this book is marvellous. It is beautiful to look at-the illustrations are exceptional. But what it does do is understand the past by looking at the city of Birmingham and... Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by Jane Sandeman
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