Manchester In The 70s

Ah, Manchester in the 70s—a time when flares were wide enough to parachute off, beards were more of a lifestyle choice than a grooming necessity, and the music scene was an eclectic jumble of sounds that could make even the most hardened hipster swoon. This offering, penned by none other than Chris Makepeace, is a not-so-little window into the gritty, glorious, and often grey tapestry of life in one of the UK’s most enigmatic cities during a decade that was, let’s face it, more curious than a cat in a kettle. Published in 2012 by The History Press, this tome might just leave you questioning why the 70s ever ended and why anyone ever decided to stop wearing paisley.

In these pages, you’ll be regaled with tales that whisk you through the heart of Manchester—a place where the rain falls with the enthusiasm of an over-caffeinated puppy. Makepeace captures the essence of a city that was both a breeding ground for revolutionary music and a sanctuary for knitted cardigans. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Smiths, an aficionado of Factory Records, or simply someone who remembers the time when a VHS looked like cutting-edge technology, there’s something here to tickle your historical fancy.

But don’t expect a conventional history lesson; this isn’t a dry recitation of facts and dates. Instead, it’s a kaleidoscopic romp through cultural phenomena, local legends, and the occasional, and perhaps entirely fictional, story about people getting lost in the fog of their own fashion choices. This book might just inspire you to don your best polyester, grab a pint, and reflect on a decade that taught us that sometimes, less is more—unless you’re talking about hair volume, in which case, more is always more.

As you flip through Makepeace’s drily humorous prose, you may find yourself pondering the following existential dilemmas:

• Did people genuinely think that the more badges you wore, the more interesting you became?
• Was the ‘Mancunian dialect’ just a euphemism for everyone mumbling in unison?
• Is there a support group for those who still mourn the loss of the 70s fashion sense?
• How many ways can one city celebrate its industrial heritage while simultaneously embracing disco?
• And finally, is that a ‘how-to’ guide for creating a record label hidden in the footnotes?

Condition: Very Good, which is to say that this book has stood the test of time better than most of its contemporaries, much like a well-loved coat from a charity shop that retains its charm despite the odd frayed hem. There might be a few dog-eared pages, or perhaps a mysterious coffee ring that insists on being part of the narrative, but isn’t that just a badge of honour? It’s practically part of the history, much like the book itself.

So whether you’re a curious time-traveller seeking to revisit the quirky charms of a city that somehow managed to balance gloom and vibrance, or just someone with a penchant for second-hand nostalgia, Manchester in the 70s is a treasure trove of wit and whimsy. Available now from Crappy Old Books, where the motto is “every book has a story, and every story has seen better days.” Don’t miss out—grab your copy before the flares come back into fashion again!

Keep browsing: See more History books Other books by Chris Makepeace