Read Manchester

If you want to discover more about Manchester history, culture or attractions, here’s what you should read

Manchester, as we’ve said elsewhere in this guide, is a city with a past. Once the world’s biggest centre of manufacturing, this is also a city that has brought about seismic social, political and cultural change across both the UK and the rest of the world. So if you’re planning a visit to Manchester, why not find out more before you get here (or head to Waterstone’s and gen up from your hotel room if you’re already here) with our top three historical reads?

The Manchester Compendium: A Street by Street History of England’s Greatest Industrial City

Part travel guide, part history book, this documents in detail (and with irreverent wit) the history of Manchester’s streets, buildings, sons and daughters. If you buy one book on Manchester, make it this one. The Manchester Compendium, Ed Glinert, Penguin, £10.99

A Portrait of Manchester

Len Grant is one of Manchester’s finest photographers and has spent his career documenting the rebirth of Manchester. Although this book focuses on contemporary Manchester, it gives an insight into the grit of a city determined to regain its place at the global table. A Portrait of Manchester, Len Grant, Halsgrove, £12.95.

Manchester

Part of the Pevsner Architectural Guides series, this book covers both historical and recent buildings and development. It can be a little dry but for historical depth it’s hard to beat. Manchester (Pevsner Architectural Guides), Claire Hartwell, £9.99