The Gangs of Birmingham

As an expatriate Brummie and family historian, this book whetted my appetite for more. During the course of reading it, I found the time taken up with the necessities of eating, sleeping and other normal daily chores to be intrusive and each time couldn't wait to return to the book. The author has obviously thoroughly researched his subject - the book is so clearly written - so many of the events, names, etc. made me recall stories told by older family members, particularly concerning the peaky blinders. I found it curious that their hats were described as "bowler" hats, whereas I had always heard that they wore flat caps with razor blades sewn into the peaks. I absolutely recommend the book, not only to Brummies but to anyone interested in the seamier side of the history of many other English cities from the middle of the 19th century to WW1. Various ancestors of mine lived in many of the old streets mentioned, providing me with more atmosphere and a better insight into the lives of all who lived in those streets.

A really good read for anyone who knows Brum. Only complaint was there should have been a few maps (1800's roads and today's roads) in the digital edition.

Just OK

Full of facts but very little continuity, of interest to a brummy but not much use to anyone interested in social history. Causal factors skimmed over very fast

If you want a re-hash of various newspaper reportage from the late 1800's, then this is your guy. Very little in depth research.....

Was like hearing a broken record until I realized that things never do change until the people themselves change.Secondly I realized that this activity was the results of not having enough legitimate entertainment in these repetitious and sad lives.

Firstly I have to say that I find the book interesting but for me it reads a bit like a catalogue. It is well documented but it seems narrative is taken from a record of court cases around the period of interest. Apart from the entries there seems to have been little research done or angles provided on the whys and wherefores regarding the events.I know there are limitations with regard to quoting historical records, and as to how much more information might be available, but without a little background or imagination the events are described for precisely what they are: a chronological list of happenings.For me this type of book works far better with far fewer individual stories containing much more detail on each one.Sorry, I hate to give such flat reviews but I hope the author can, or has, come up with more spice for subsequent books. Mac Fletcher

This book is a complete contradiction of the 'Peaky Blinders', the setting is the middle of the 19th Century (circa 1850 - 60) a good 50 years before the Peaky Blinders came into being.Who ever wrote this book did not carry out the research accurately. The concentration is more on the 'gangsters/ruffians of the day not the damaged souls from World War One!

one line in book about peaky blinders

Very detailed however it was a lot to take in felt like reading lists

Bought this because I am a fan of Peaky Blinders. Sadly its a bit boring and I have had to abandon it. Maybe I'll try again in the future.