Liverpool the Rise, Fall and Renaissance of a World Class City

The unique tale of the great port and city of 'Leverpul' begins in 1207; it does not even appear in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book of 1086. Liverpool was created by the belligerent English monarch King John. Within sixty years of the end of the Civil War, Liverpool created the world's first enclosed, commercial wet dock; eventually there would be docks along 71/2 miles of the River Mersey. It rapidly grew into the greatest port and city in the entire British Empire outside London. Nevertheless, by 1980, Liverpool's population had reduced by over half; its infrastructure and economy were decaying, and its political leaders were leading the city towards complete collapse. Today, however, Liverpool has the fastest-growing economy in Britain, helping to lead the country out of recession; it has been a European Capital of Culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage City. The renaissance continues, with the passion and energy for which 'Scousers' are renowned! This is an inspiring story of an outstanding people, and of the rise, fall, and renaissance of their remarkable home: Liverpool - a world-class city.

Ken Pye is the author of a number of books, and produced the Discover Liverpool series of DVD documentaries. He is a regular contributor to magazines, journals, newspapers, and television, and is the official local historian for Radio City in Liverpool (420,000 listeners per week = 2,500 per hour). He broadcasts on BBC Radio Merseyside (317,000 listeners per week = 1,886 per hour) on a weekly basis, and gives around ten local history lectures every month, as well as operating four tours per week for tourists. He is an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool Hope University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. A Scouser born and bred, Ken still lives in his home town, Liverpool.