Tales from the Back Green

by Bill Paterson

The much loved Scots actor Bill Paterson was brought up in those halcyon days of post-war Britain when a child could still play happily—and safely—in his own backyard and the streets beyond. Now he evokes his boyhood and youth in Glasgow's East End during the 1950s, full of intriguing characters and extraordinary events. Always eager to push the boundaries of what they were allowed to do, Bill and his mates construct a giant dust "atomic" bomb, try to hold their own World Cup tournament, and play endlessly on wasteland that's now unrecognizable from the exciting jungle of his childhood. Tales from the Back Green is not only a brilliant realization of a time and a place, but a classic memoir of childhood that will strike a chord with everyone who's ever played and dreamed with little thought of life '\"when I grow up."

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography, Memoir

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bill Paterson has worked in such memorable productions as the original Guys and Dolls 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 The Killing Fields, Comfort and Joy and Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Reviews

[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.

[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.