This book takes an innovative approach to telling the history of Newcastle upon Tyne by focusing on the historic maps and plans that record its growth and development over many centuries.

Edition, with full notes and introduction, of documents fundamental for our understanding of a major group of workers.

" ... undoubtedly the most important book on the history of Newcastle to hit the market for upwards of half a century--and is arguably the best of all-time ... a brilliant and ground-breaking work ... it will be argued that there is still room on the market for a straight-forward chronological history of the city ... but such a work will never achieve the depth of analysis which this collection of specialist essays skilfully attains." The North-Easterner

The original Northern Powerhouse, Newcastle upon Tyne has witnessed countless transformations over the last century or so, from its industrial heyday, when Tyneside engineering and innovation led the world, through decades of post-industrial decline, and underinvestment, to its more recent reinvention as a cultural destination for the North. The ten short stories gathered here all feature characters in search of something, a new reality, a space, perhaps, in which to rediscover themselves: from the call-centre worker imagining herself far away from the claustrophobic realities of her day job, to the woman coming to terms with an ex-lover who’s moved on all too quickly, to the man trying to outrun his mother’s death on Town Moor. The Book of Newcastle brings together some of the city’s most renowned literary talents, along with exciting new voices, proving that while Newcastle continues to feel the effects of its lost industrial past, it is also a city striving for a future that brims with promise.

The city of Newcastle has a rich heritage, which is uniquely reflected in this delightful, full-colour compilation. Contrasting a selection of forty-five archive images alongside modern photographs taken from the same location, this new book reveals the changing faces, buildings and streets of Newcastle during the last century. Comparing the workers of yesteryear with today’s trades-people, along with some famous landmarks and little-known street scenes, this is a wide-ranging look at the city’s absorbing history. Newcastle Then & Now will provide visitors with a glimpse of how the city used to be, in addition to awakening nostalgic memories for those who live or work here.