It began with an outrageous press trip to New York to launch unknown rock band Brinsley Schwarz, which went disastrously wrong, and it went on to launch the careers of Ian Dury, Elvis Costello and Joe Strummer. The pub rock scene of the early 1970s was one of the most eventful and important in British music history.

Widely described as 'punk's poet laureate', Ian Dury is a cultural icon. With his band The Blockheads, he exploded onto the television screen in 1978, appearing on "Top of the Pops" with his hit single 'What a Waste', followed later that year by 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'. By now Ian was thirty-six and had worked hard for many years to reach this moment, struggling all the while to find acceptance inspite of the disability he suffered as a result of childhood polio. And yet fame, when it came, almost destroyed him. This groundbreaking and authoritative book gives the first in-depth and compelling account of the life of this charismatic yet complex artist. Author Will Birch interviewed Dury several times during his lifetime, and has also spoken to more than sixty people who were extremely close to Ian, including family members, fellow musicians, friends, lovers and business associates.

A fascinating study of how pub rock started, thrived and ultimately evolved into the New Wave. Blaney starts during the 1960s with the hippie roots of the movement, and then covers the main bands (Eggs Over Easy, Brinsley Schwarz, Ducks Deluxe et al). He explains how many of the Pub Rock bands re-invented themselves as New Wave acts (Kilburn and the High Roads becoming Ian Dury and the Blockheads, for example), often as a result of universities being awash with money and being able to pay over the odds for acts, thus putting the landlords of live music pubs out of business.

'Unconditional Surrender' is a satire on the English class system. The writer takes a dig at the way the ruling class and their sense of entitlement, even when the country is in a global conflict, can plan through the bureaucracy to make their way into the far less dangerous and more comfortable theatres of war.

A sworn enemy of Hawke has been shot dead and the murder weapon belongs to him. He protests his innocence and goes on the run until evidence is found to clear him. Thus, an unwilling adventure where he sets sail with a vibrant cast of men, casting off for unknown waters and strange islands. And enemies abound in the most unlikely of places.

Society played a part in the death of my baby brother. The demand for perfection and what was deemed acceptable by our everyday standards helped mold a fragile frame in a young man's mind. The security and resolution I needed was never to be found within the realms of the everyday working world. I learned to reconcile with what you may unfairly call the "ills of society". I found not only resolve, but also harmony within the world, a world that all members of our populace are exposed to in their lives and is part of a culture, even if you chose to ignore it, is one we all live in. I'm not only lucky enough, but also privileged to have been welcomed and accepted in this world, and here their stories will show that this syndicate are of the same making of us all. For me and my brothers none of our heroes wore capes.

"South London" by Walter Besant is a comprehensive and illuminating journey that takes readers on a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of history, culture, and landmarks that define South London. With meticulous research and a genuine passion for the subject, Besant's narrative unfolds as an invaluable guide for readers eager to uncover the hidden gems and untold stories of this remarkable region. Besant's profound insights provide readers with a deep understanding of South London's historical significance, its evolving landscape, and the unique charm that sets it apart from other locales. As readers traverse the pages of this book, they are invited to embark on a virtual tour, where every street, building, and community comes to life with vivid descriptions and historical anecdotes. "South London" is not merely a book; it is a gateway to the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to explore the region's rich heritage. It serves as a testament to the enduring allure of South London and its capacity to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who venture within its borders. For those seeking to delve into the soul of a diverse and vibrant part of the world, Walter Besant's work is an indispensable resource that both informs and inspires, ensuring that the legacy of South London endures for generations to come.