Tales from the Back Green: A Glasgow Childhood

by Bill Paterson

When these captivating Tales from the Back Green were broadcast on BBC Radio they were described by The Herald as 'a vividly engaging portrait of a vanished city' and The Scotsman as 'an engaging series fondly and wittily rendered'.

Now published for the first time, actor Bill Paterson's stories brilliantly evoke his 1950s Glasgow boyhood. This is a world of intriguing characters and extraordinary events set against the background of the changes and challenges of the post-war era – the nuclear threat, the fading dominance of the kirk, Rock and Roll, the disappearance of the beloved trams, and why penny whoppers were not worth tuppence. As a young surveyor, Paterson was witness to the dramatic transformation of the city, as austere tenements were swept away to make way for new roads and high-rise blocks.

Tales From the Back Green is a brilliant realisation of childhood and youth; of memories Paterson describes as 'suspended in amber like Jurassic Park's mosquito, with its DNA still intact.' He wonders whether our memories change from grey to gold as the years pass - do we naturally recall our childhood as a time of optimism and hope?

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Memoir

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bill Paterson is a Scottish actor. He has worked in such memorable productions as the 7:84 company's The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil (1973), the original Guys and Dolls (1982) at the National Theatre and Death and the Maiden at the Royal Court. On television his credits include such classic dramas as The Singing Detective, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Traffik, The Crow Road and Wives and Daughters. His films include Scotch Myths (1982), The Killing Fields (1984), Comfort and Joy (1984), Defence of the Realm (1986), and Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990).

Reviews

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad, funny, poignant. Some lesser men would weep unashamedly. Short little book that reminded me of the song “Dublin in the Rare Old Times”. “The Pillar and the Met have gone, the Royal long since pulled down, as the gray unyielding concrete makes a city of my town “.

[Heather McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook--which Bill himself reads! And it was magic!! I can't recommend it highly enough! Funny, poignant, sad--and a glimpse into a different Glasgow. Very well written as well! I loved it!

[Rob Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming collection of stories of 50s Scotland from actor Bill Paterson.

[George Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply, well worth reading.

[John M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, slight and light but enjoyable: these short tales were clearly meant to be spoken rather than read but will be enjoyed by Glaswegians and Scots of a certain vintage.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir, selection of short stories from 50s and 60s in Glasgow.

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read but a fun one. I wasn’t around for Glasgow in the 50s and 60s but there’s enough in this for me to recognise and wonder.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book with the tales about growing up in Glasgow in the fifties. His style is nice, he has a good sense of humor and the things he talks about are very interesting.

[Alan Holdgate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nick book to read enjoyed Bill paterson,s childhood the tale of the end of the line of the tram and trolley busses was good.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short abstract memories..well written

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read, brilliant for history and just perfect for my love of Scotland.

[Andrew Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet; witty and historical; down-to-earth and cultured.