Product Description

These are photographs of Glasgow at its zenith, when it was among the most dynamic cities on earth. In this wonderful collection we see all the elements that made Glasgow great: the world-renowned industries; the majestic buildings; the bustling streets full of exclusive shops; the beautiful parks; the grand theatres, cinemas, hotels and restaurants; the museums and universities. The places featured include George Square, Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street, Argyle Street, Trongate, High Street, Central Station, St Vincent Street, Queen Street, the Broomielaw, the river Clyde, Great Western Road, Glasgow Cross, Shawlands Cross, Charing Cross, Bridgeton Cross, the Gorbals, the west end and the east end. There are also photographs of Glasgow's transport system, including the trams, the underground, ferries and buses. Then there are the shops, some like Copland and Lye and Hope Brothers long gone, others like Watt Brothers still with us. Historic pubs, most of them now demolished, feature along with legendary theatres like the Empire and Citizen's. Landmark buildings are also to the fore: Glasgow University, Glasgow Cathedral, the city chambers, Rogano Oyster bar, Glasgow Bridge among them. We are also given insights into the lives of Glasgow's people, from prosperous businessmen to the denizens of the slums, which, despite Glasgow's huge wealth were among the worst in Europe. Many great photographers are represented, among them true pioneers of the art like George Washington Wilson, Thomas Annan, James Craig Annan, Bert Hardy and Haywood Magee, as well as exponents from prominent publications like The Scotsman, Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Picture Post. No expense has been spared in the production of this beautifully designed book. It is a quality hardback with a full-colour cover. and all of the photographs are presented on the highest quality 'glossy' art paper. Most of the photographs are reproduced full page, thus ensuring that these historic photographs of a great city are seen in the best possible light.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41191 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

Fascinating look at Glasgow of old
This book is a fascinating look at the Glasgow of old. It's pretty much as described on the cover - photographs of Glasgow.

Each photo is set on its own, A5-ish sized glossy page. There are just under 100 pages in the book, so 95 black and white photos.

Each page has some text explaining the photo, and the date the photo was taken.

There isn't much sequence to the photos - no chronological order, or grouped into area, anything like that, which I found quite surprising. But to be honest, it didn't bother me too much, every photo was so interesting, it pretty much tells it's own story.

I think the book makes an excellent gift. Even for someone who didn't actually live during that period (like me!), today's places are easily recognisable and seeing the difference in the city in a relatively short time is fascinating.

In summary, an excellent purchase.