Nottingham: A Biography

By Geoffrey Trease

From Robin Hood to Reformists, lace-making to Luddites, and Boots the chemists to Raleigh’s bicycles, Geoffrey Trease leads us through the fascinating history of Nottingham.

Skilfully combining scholarly research with local knowledge and personal memories, this fantastically detailed account of one of Britain’s oldest cities has never been bettered.

Lauded by everyone from Sir John Betjeman to Alan Sillitoe, Nottingham: A Biography celebrates the ‘Queen of the Midlands’ in passionate and triumphant style.

Praise for Nottingham: A Biography

‘Seldom can so much scholarly research have been turned into such beguiling biography.’ – Sheffield Morning Telegraph

‘I found myself so immersed in the story that Mr Trease’s capturing text has decided me to spend a few hot summer days in Nottingham and see it for myself . . .’ – Sir John Betjeman, New Statesman

‘Anyone interested in town histories, and Nottingham’s in particular, will want to read this book which, I believe, will remain a popular standard history of the town for a long time to come.’ – Alan Sillitoe, Guardian

‘He can describe an industry as though it were a personality. He makes us share his inquisitiveness about the lace making . . . the hosiery trade, Boots the wholesale chemists, Raleigh cycles, Player’s tobacco and cigarettes’ – Country Life

‘Seldom can so much scholarly research have been turned into such beguiling biography.’ – Sheffield Morning Telegraph

‘A first-rate local history that combines accuracy and close research with a high degree of interest and readability.’ – Birmingham Evening Mail