Blantyre is distinguished by having been the birthplace of Dr David Livingstone, the famous African explorer - but in this unique book, he comprises only a small part of its fascinating content. Presented in an 'A to Z' format, the book has more than 400 wide-ranging and extremely diverse entries. The role of Blantyre Priory in Scotland's history from the 13th century is explored, but so too are the achievements of people still living in the town today. During the 1970s and '80s, Blantyre underwent significant redevelopment. The author recorded the changing vista of the town over nearly forty years, and here unique visual and narrative descriptions of many long-gone buildings and landmarks are recorded. Many individuals with Blantyre connections have gained recognition on a national - or international - scale; these range from a President of the United States of America to several famous international footballers, and their achievements are listed here. Entertainingly and beautifully presented, with a wealth of interesting photographs, this book gives an intriguing insight into the changing character of the town over time.The coverage is such a combination of historical events, local anecdotes, and little-known facts, that readers will find it a revelation of fascinating and hitherto unknown facets of Blantyre history - or a charming walk down memory lane.
