New book explores the making of modern Manchester
08 Jun 2016
Historian James Sumner contributes to study of science, industry and culture in the city
James, from the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, is one of the authors behind Manchester: Making the Modern City, a new book launching this week as part of the Manchester Histories Festival.
Every town and city has its story, but few have a history that is essential to understanding how the modern world was made. The book, edited by Alan Kidd and Terry Wyke, explores how Manchester became the centre of the world’s trade in cotton goods during the Industrial Revolution, and how it has remade itself as a post-industrial icon for the twentieth century.
Central to this story has been the unique relationship between cultures of industry and knowledge in Manchester. Dr Sumner’s contribution traces developments over more than 200 years, from the foundation of the town’s Literary and Philosophical Society to the graphene innovations of today, and looks at the achievements of the University itself alongside the successes and failures of the wider industrial community.
Beautifully designed and rich in colour illustrations, the book will make an ideal introduction to Manchester’s past, but features new perspectives and untold stories that will appeal to professional scholars and more dedicated enthusiasts.
Manchester: Making the Modern City had its official launch on Wednesday, 8 June at Manchester Central Library.
Further information
For the full contents and ordering information, see: