Books by Hugh Hollinghurst

A guided tour of the historic town of Southport, showing how it has changed over the past century and more.

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Crosby and Blundellsands have changed and developed over the last century.

For centuries, Bootle was a village of fishermen and farm workers surrounded by marsh land and sandy shore. In the nineteenth century, the wealth created by the docks, and the generosity of the residents in their grand houses, resulted in the creation of many fine churches, amenities and open spaces. An imposing complex of civic buildings was built. Local societies thrived and carnivals, such as the Bootle May Day, were highlights of the social calendar. In the Second World War, Bootle, for its size, suffered more war damage than any other area of the country. Regeneration has altered the face of the area further, most notably in the Stanley Precinct office quarter, the Strand shopping centre and along the banks of the Leeds Liverpool canal. But spacious parks, grand civic buildings, tantalising survivals of the old village and grand Victorian houses remind us of a glorious bygone age.

Owing its name to the famous battle, Waterloo is nearly two centuries old. Growing inland from an attractive seafront, it has retained its character and most of its buildings during that time. It has attracted the attention of photographers who have left an illuminating record of the past comparable with the still recognisable present. In contrast, Litherland was an agricultural community from the Domesday Book until industrialisation. William Gladstone's father built Seaforth House, which gave its name to the area. Others were encouraged to build magnificent residences enjoying views over sandy shores. The houses have disappeared and the Royal Seaforth Container Dock has changed the shoreline almost beyond recognition. This book recreates the old village life and chronicles the changing scenery.