A shocking history of Bristol

by Derek Robinson

Book by Robinson, Derek

Genres: History

120 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1973

About the author

Derek Robinson is a British author best known for his military aviation novels full of black humour. He has also written several books on some of the more sordid events in the history of Bristol, his home town, as well as guides to rugby. He was nominated for the Booker Prize in 1971 for his first novel, 'Goshawk Squadron.'

After attending Cotham Grammar School, Robinson served in the Royal Air Force as a fighter plotter, during his National Service. He has a History degree from Cambridge University, where he attended Downing College, has worked in advertising in the UK and the US and as a broadcaster on radio and television. He was a qualified rugby referee for over thirty years and is a life member of Bristol Society of Rugby Referees. He was married in 1964

Reviews

[Steven R]

A nice counter history to a lot of the self congratulation that the city often gives itself. Liked the section on the disappearance of Bristol as a major shipping point through the greed of rate collectors. Could do with more materialism.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I'm not finishing the last couple of pages. I now need a book on the wonderfully great parts of Bristol's history, because this sure left a nasty taste in my mouth. From the slave trade to the idiots of The Corporation to shilly-shallying soldiers, there's a lot of #fail in the history of this city.

The writer is very good.