Customer Reviews

Morrissey's Manchester

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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.