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

"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

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.

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.

Jan Bowman trained as an architect and now draws pictures for a living. Her work celebrates the best of 21st-century civilisation. Originally from Scotland via Canada, she lives in Birmingham with the Old Boot and two cats.