Of Facts and Tales by Chris Nickson
Chris Nickson tells us some tales of Leeds that are all but forgotten. You can hear about his Leeds, The Biography: A History of Leeds in Short Stories at the Big Bookend festival on Saturday 6th June […]
The Silverdale Children’s Holiday Centre by Frances Brody
Frances Brody reminisces about the Silverdale Children’s Holiday Centre and how it was the inspiration for two of her earlier books. Frances, along with Oliver Cross and Richard Wilcocks will be recounting Extraordinary Tales from
The Man in the Monkeynut Coat by Kersten Hall
In this week’s article, Kersten Hall tells us about Leeds-based physicist William Astbury, the unsung hero of DNA whom he writes about in his book The Man in the Monkeynut Coat. Sir Isaac Newton once famously declared
Leeds coulda been a Contender, Leeds coulda been Hollywood by Chris Nickson
This month, Chris Nickson delves into the mystery of the disappearance of former Leeds resident, Louis Le Prince and what that could have meant for Leeds had he not vanished without trace. It is a truth universally acknowledged that the first moving
Isaac the Jew and The Rise of the Leylands by Chris Nickson
This month Chris Nickson explores the history of the Jews in Leeds which informs his next novel, Two Bronze Pennies. There have been Jews in Leeds for over 250 years. In the 18th century there’s
Love Letters of the Great War by Mandy Kirkby
On this Valentine’s Day, author Mandy Kirkby reminds us that, “We are human and, especially where love is concerned, we can’t help but feel an emotional link going right back through the years.” I spent
Studio 20 by Chris Nickson – & ‘Dark Briggate Blues’ Competition
Chris Nickson delves into the Leeds Jazz scene of the 1950s, setting the backdrop for his upcoming novel Dark Briggate Blues, to be launched on Friday 6th February at Waterstones Leeds, 6.30pm. To enter the competition to
A Leeds Christmas by Chris Nickson
On Christmas Eve, Chris Nickson fittingly reminds us of past traditions, some of which we continue to this day. We, at the Big Bookend, would like to thank you all sincerely for your support over the
Leeds, Motorway City of the Seventies by Chris Nickson
This month Chris Nickson reminds us that Leeds was very nearly a motorway city where the car would have been king and much of Leeds’ architectural gems reduced to rubble in the name of progress. Have