Great Glasgow Stories

by John Burrowes

Few cities in the world abound with so many extraordinary stories as Glasgow. The city has been the silent witness to some of the most significant events of the past century, from major triumphs to cataclysmic calamities, and the best of these anecdotes are compiled here to form this unique collection. Amongst the notable events revisited are the launching of the Queen Mary, which captivated the city's inhabitants in 1934, the victorious 16-month work-in campaign by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in the early 1970s, the Ibrox disaster of 1971, and the plague that gripped the Gorbals in 1900. Some of Glasgow's most successful people are also covered in this title, including Clydeside revolutionary John Maclean, founder of the Barras Maggie McIver and the inimitable Billy Connolly, whose humor and colorful personality are synonymous with the city. From the Battle of George Square to the bravery of the Glasgow people during the Blitz, Great Glasgow Stories provides an all-encompassing view of the city throughout the eras.

Genres: Scotland

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tom Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really interesting stories about my city that I had never heard, including that tenements in street behind my old flat in Shawlands had been hit by the Luftwaffe in WWII!
This books is well written and vividly portrays the many different sides of Glasgow from its booming heavy industries built on the backs of largely exploited workers, to its deep cultural heritage of sports, dancehalls and cinemas. A great wee book! 👍

[Sara Habein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many sports stories, some better than others, and the writing lacks a lot of narrative propulsion. There are lots of extraneous details that usually aren't interesting enough to merit their inclusion. That said, I read this for research purposes, and gleaned a few potentially useful details. In general, the story about Gentle Johnny is among the better offerings here.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of some of Glasgow's most interesting incidents and outrages that happened in this Scottish City. Some of the stories captured my interest than others. It did seem to drag in the penultimate story but for the most part the stories contained in this book were interesting.

[Euan Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good stories in here, and some surprising ones. There were some that I wasn't really all that sure about, like the one about Kearney, but in general I liked it

[Lesley Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading some in depth reporting about stories that I had heard growing up but didnt know the full story.

[Tony Cottam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tales of Glasgow from days gone by, a few things I knew and learned more about, and a few I had never known at all. Recommended for all Glasgow nerds.

[Anne Laing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this true to life story of Glasgow and the people coming from this arena. Very informative and interesting

[Allan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant and very informative

For years I blamed Margaret Thatcher for closing down the Glasgow shipyards until I read this book, and now I know it was the unions and the workers themselves.