Up Oor Close: Memories of Domestic Life in Glasgow Tenements, 1910-1945

by Jean Faley

This book dispels the image of slums and destitution that clings to the Glasgow tenement. Working-class home life is explored through the recollections of people who grew up in these cramped one and two roomed houses. Narratives full of vitality and detail record the routines and rituals of previously disregarded lives, covering everything from shopping and housework to childbirth and death. Though the tenements were by today's standards unfit to live in, there are important lessons here about the kinds of housing that enable close-knit communities to flourish.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 1990

About the author

Jean V.L.Hector Faley

Reviews

[Harry Burnside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in a Glasgow Tenement until I was six and visiting my sister's tenement until I was 15 I have some experience of the anecdotes given in the book. however as it covers the period 1910-1945 before I was born there was many things I learned relating to these years that was very interesting and moving. Loved it.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of oral histories and a glimpse into a life much different from my own.

[Viola]

[Read in English]

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this at a thrift shop and read it in one day, yesterday. Loved it. Wished it had even more detail and stories and photos.