Simons of Manchester

John Ayshford is a Doctoral Researcher in History at the University of ManchesterMartin Dodge is a Senior Lecturer in Geography at the University of ManchesterStuart Jones (H.S. Jones) is a Professor of Intellectual History at the University of ManchesterDiana Leitch MBE is a former Deputy University Librarian of the John Rylands University Library of ManchesterJanet Wolff is Professor Emerita in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures at the University of Manchester

'Writing on British political history has, until recently, tended to fixate on Westminster, overlooking the importance of politics at the local level, especially in the period before 1915, when it was still a formidable force. The Simons are notable amongst the victims of this neglect, so this copiously illustrated joint-volume by a group of Manchester-based academics, sponsored by the Simon Fund, is a valuable addition to the growing literature of political biography adopting a local perspective. It breaks new ground by approaching the Simons not just as individuals but as a family, projecting ‘a powerful family tradition of public service, deliberately transmitted’.'Jamie Reynolds, Journal of Liberal Histories

• Foreword Margaret and Matilda SimonIntroductionThe editorsPart I: Cosmopolitan Manchester and the Simons1. Context, cosmopolitanism and connectivity: The German diaspora in Manchester Margaret Littler2. The appeal of a Buddha: Henry Simon, industrialist and philanthropist (1835–99) Janet Wolff3. Her compass always pointed to service: The life of Emily Simon (1858–1920) Diana Leitch4. The shy campaigner: The life of Ernest Simon, politician and social reformer (1879–1960) John Ayshford and Brendon Jones5. A confirmed outsider: The life of Shena Simon, feminist and education campaigner (1883–1972)John Ayshford and Brendon JonesColour platesPart II: The Simons’ contribution to society6. Busy making good money: the development of the Simon engineering businessesMartin Dodge7. Shena Simon: Feminism, civic patriotism, and the strength of local government Charlotte Wildman8. Building Jerusalem: The Simons’ role in housing reform and town planningSteven V. Ward and Martin Dodge 9. Burghers and citizens: The Simons and the University of Manchester H.S. Jones and Chris GoddenConclusionThe editors