Social History Book Collection
This ‘Extraordinary Lives’ collection of books explores the impact that ordinary people have had on contemporary life and society in general. Each publication contains stories and reminiscences told by the most important eyewitnesses social historians can ask for: the people that were there. Their first hand memories and reminiscences, most being told publicly for the first time, bring back to life the buildings long since demolished, the groups who packed out the venues, the characters that made up the ‘scene’ and the people who filled the halls and clubs, dancing until the early hours of the morning. Each publication is a ‘must read’ for those interested in contemporary social history.
“This book is a valuable addition to the literature about the recent history of Leicester…” Colin Hyde, East Midlands Oral History Archive, University of Leicester
Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the ‘Summer of Love’ phenomenon, High Flying Around tells the story of the vibrant music scene in Leicester during the latter part of the 1960s through the eyes of the people that were there. The book tells the story in two parts – firstly via the remaining members of Legay, a massively popular Leicester band whose fan base encompassed the East Midlands. Secondly, through those that were actively taking part in the scene; DJs, designers, agents, musicians, mods and those that attended the vast number of venues across the city and county. The book includes a fascinating foreword by Dr Su Barton on the social DNA of Leicester during the 1960s and how it affected the young people of the day.
The book can be purchased on Amazon here.
“Knapp’s book marks a refreshing change from the growing plethora of Mod commentaries that rarely venture beyond the streets of Soho…” Shindig Magazine
Mods: Two City Connection tells the story of the Mods but from the standpoint of young people who weren’t from the established ‘trend setting’ areas of London, Manchester or Liverpool – they were from the East Midlands cities of Leicester and Nottingham. Based around the themes of social, financial and creative freedom the book utilises first-hand eyewitness accounts and images, capturing memories that have never been told before. The book challenges perceptions associated with the Mods while exploring the themes of fashion, music, individuality, transport, drug use, gender and race, anti-social behaviour and legacy. The book re-visits legendary hangouts visited by the Leicester and Nottingham Mods including The Nite Owl, The Il Rondo, The Twisted Wheel and the Dungeon. It includes chapters written by the creatives and ‘faces’ from the two Mod scenes. The book includes a fascinating foreword by Nottingham author, Alan Fletcher, author and story consultant, Quadrophenia. The book formed the basis of the record-breaking Mods: Shaping a Generation exhibition that was held at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.
The book can be purchased on Amazon here.
“For anyone interested in knowing how the modern world and the culture we live in today was ushered into being, reading Shaun Knapp’s new edition of his pioneering book, High Flying Around, is an absolute must…” Lynton Guest, Love Affair
High Flying Around Volume II continues the remarkable story of Leicester’s 1960’s arts and music scene via the people that were there. Their memories and reminiscences bring back to life the buildings long since demolished, the groups who packed out the venues and the people who filled the halls and clubs.
Find out how some of the biggest names in music performed in some of Leicester’s smallest and long lost venues, revisit the 1969 free festival and discover the incredible story of Leicester’s 1960’s creatives and hugely popular band, Gypsy. Hal C Blake frontman, Tony Weston, reminisces about the decade while Leicester blues legend, Mick Pini, talks about his life in music. Read about the importance of the college and university circuit, the arts lab, the city’s underground music, folk and poetry scenes and the music that influenced Leicester playwright, Joe Orton. Leicester women tell their stories about life in Leicester after they left school while singer / songwriter, Ryan Dunn, explains how the 1960s influences his songwriting and fashion.