Morrissey's Manchester [Mass Market Paperback]

Phill Gatenby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

Includes free tour map. 'Morrissey's Manchester - the essential Smiths tour' is a guide book for fans of one of the greatest groups of the 1980s. This guide takes readers to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. Indeed a tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go 'hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. The decaying Manchester of the late 1970s and early 80s shaped the band which is why they provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world. Since then of course Manchester has changed considerably, nonetheless the Smiths part in that revival is often overlooked. Manchester's part in the cultural revolution of the late 1980s proceeded The Smiths starring role in a city which has continued to produce world class music time after time. These tours allow dedicated fans to visit the sights and sounds that inspired Morrissey's writing - however they also offer the casual tourist a cheap day out at points of interest and history in the city. We hope to expand this series further over the coming months and hope you enjoy a taste of Manchester's musical heritage.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Although this is Phill Gatenby's first book, he has been involved with writing for various publications since 1988. A staunch supporter of Manchester City FC, he became one of the main contributors for 'Blue Print'; a fanzine dedicated to the strain and the pain of supporting City. When Blue Print folded in 1992, he then produced his own fanzine entitled 'This Charming Fan', which ran for three years. Since then, he has contributed articles for several football books including 'Survival Of The Fattest' (Volumes 1 and 2 in 1995 & 96), and Maine Road Voices (2002). Away from football, Phill produced articles for the short lived independently produced Manchester 'What's On' guide magazine, 'Whatever' (1998), looking at local issues effecting local people and scrutinising council policy. He also has a short piece in The Smiths fans' book 'All Men Have Secrets' (1995). Aged 39, Phill counts himself extremely fortunate to have seen The Smiths in concert five times.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Empire Publications (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901746283
• ISBN-13: 978-1901746280
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,392,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't go to Manchester without it!, January 17, 2003

By 

"morrisseytour" (New York City, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Morrissey's Manchester (Mass Market Paperback)

Morrissey's Manchester begins with an intriguing and beautifully written narrative titled "Ghosts of Manchester" by Mick Middles, author of The Smiths - The Complete Story. The narrative's underlying theme and a subject appearing frequently in Gattenby's main text is that the Manchester of the 80's does not exist as we know it today.

Buildings have been torn down. Streets have been re-routed. Shops have closed, opened then closed again. The cynicism of the Thatcher years has faded. In essence, that magical period that Manchester experienced in the 80's will never be forgotten and cannot be replicated.

Gattenby is thorough in his approach to writing. He covers the essential sites, (i.e. Salford Lads Club, Strangeways Prison & the Cemetery Gates) as well as the more obscure places, (i.e. Anacoats, the Holy Name Church & Crazy Face.)

What's good:
Handy pocket size. Easy to handle. Small enough to fit in your back pocket. Light weight enough to carry with you and not feel bogged down. (Try doing that with the Lonely Planet Europe guide)

Thoroughly researched and clearly written. After having reading it I feel that I've had a fantastic new education on The Smiths.

The book is a complete guide to Manchester as well as the Smiths. The guide is fortified with extensive, bus, train and hotel information. It also provides specific walking directions and includes a fold out map.

The not-so-good
A topographical index would have been a great time-saving method of quickly finding specific places.

I do think it's important to include a historical basis for the city but I was a bit disappointed that the actual "tour" of Manchester doesn't start until the middle of the book. I was eager to jump into the tour from page one.

The Verdict:
I highly recommend this book. If you are visiting the UK (especially Manchester) this book is essential! Don't bother getting on the plane without it..

Even if you don't plan to visit the UK the book is still a great read and I guarantee you'll learn a lot about the Smiths in the process.