The Gangs of Birmingham Kindle Edition

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.

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.

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.

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.....

top book

good book

Da appassionata della serie, l'ho trovato davvero molto interessante e ben scritto.

Since I was born in Birmingham I find the history very interesting There is a current BBC fiction series on the peaky blinders and this put a more factual view on the group.

Although at the time of writing I am only half way through the tome, it is making for a fascinating read about the seamier side of the city. The first half of the book concentrates on the ne'er do wells of the 19th century and the rivalries between the various groups and also the conflicts between between the Brummies and the Irish immigrants of the time. I downloaded this book on the strength of the TV serial "Peaky Blinders" and I'm looking forward to a later chapter on the very subject.