Books
Exhibition showcasing Black Country history celebrates work of late news photographer
A new photographic exhibition capturing everyday moments of Black Country life from the 1970s and 1980s is set to go on display in Birmingham. Taken from the personal collection of late photojournalist Phil Loach, the exhibition has been curated alongside a special accompanying book.
Award-winning former journalist writes psychological ghost story set in Birmingham
A former Birmingham journalist with a life-long passion for horror stories has written his debut novel featuring real-life hauntings. GJ Phelps, who was born in Birmingham, makes use of the city’s locations – such as the catacombs in the Jewellery Quarter – in his psychological horror story.
Children’s author G.M. Linton to host Windrush storytelling event at Library of Birmingham
A West Midlands author who was inspired to write a children’s book based on her parent’s Windrush journey, is taking part in a special storytelling event aimed at families this weekend. Local writer G.M. Linton will be coming to the Library of Birmingham on Saturday 20 May for a free and inclusive event celebrating the 75th anniversary…
Sir Lenny Henry joins stars behind drama ‘My Name is Leon’ ahead of BBC television premiere
Ahead of the film adaptation of bestselling book ‘My Name Is Leon‘ coming to BBC Two this Friday, actor and executive producer Sir Lenny Henry joined the Birmingham writer behind the story, Kit de Waal, and the programme’s young star Cole Martin on the red carpet last night. They appeared along with the film’s director Lynette…
REVIEW: blond(e) BOY, red LIPSTICK – a daring and true love story from Birmingham
Birmingham born author Geoff Bunn shares his memories of the city and bravely opens his heart about a love that made him see the world in a new light in a daring book called ‘blond(e) BOY, red LIPSTICK’. The book is the true life account of a moment in the author’s life when he fell…
REVIEW: A Seat at the Fireside – heartwarming book of portraits of Brum’s poor and homeless
A new photography book showcasing poignant and compassionate studio portraits of people who have endured life under terrible social and economic conditions aims to raise money for Birmingham homeless charities. ‘A Seat at the Fireside’ by Paul Martin has been published with the intention to donate all proceeds from the sale of the book to three…
Rugby player from Moseley club writes book tackling mental health struggles in sport
A Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club player has written a book about tackling mental health struggles in relation to the national sport. Winger Aquile Smith has published ‘Rugby Insight: Mental Health to Mental Wealth’, which focuses on raising awareness and countering some of the stigma around mental health in sport and more specifically, rugby.
REVIEW: Handsworth Riots 1985 – Pogus Caesar’s photographs hold a tragic mirror to our age
Birmingham artist and photographer Pogus Caesar has released a new book, ‘Handsworth Riots 1985’, which revisits a notorious chapter in Birmingham’s history. In the publication, Caesar’s material showcases powerful and visceral moments of social chaos on the streets of Birmingham which were ignited by a Molotov cocktail of racism, poverty, and political unrest that continue to…
Viral comic creator’s sell-out UK tour cancelled – over “public health concerns”
The creator of an unexpectedly hugely popular online comic strip has cancelled her upcoming UK tour, despite it selling out after only one Instagram post. Catana Chetwynd, creator of Catana Comics, has had to pull out of planned visits to Waterstones bookstores in Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds and London, which were due to begin tomorrow.
Educational activity books launched for Black History Month
Black History Activity Books During the month of Black History there are many events to attend, if you were looking for somewhere to attend, you may have been tempted by The Black History Activity Books Launch 2, at The Bingley Hall. Although named a launch the event was not actually a launch at all. The books…