The untold story of a British institution Pete Brown is a convivial guide on this journey through the intoxicating history of the working men's clubs. From the movement's founding by teetotaller social reformer the Reverend Henry Solly to the booze-soaked mid-century heyday, when more than 7 million Brits were members, this warm-hearted and entertaining book reveals how and why the clubs became the cornerstone of Britain's social life - offering much more than cheap Federation Bitter and chicken in a basket. Often dismissed as relics of a bygone age - bastions of bigotry and racism - Brown reminds us that long before the days of Phoenix Nights, 3,000-seat venues routinely played host to stars like Shirley Bassey, Louis Armstrong, and the Bee Gees, offering entertainment for all the family, and close to home at that. Britain's best-known comedians made reputations through a thick miasma of smoke, from Sunniside to Skegness. For a young man growing up in the pit town of Barnsley this was a radiant wonderland that transformed those who entered. Brown explores the clubs' role in defining masculinity, community and class identity for generations of men in Britain's industrial towns. They were, at their best, a vehicle for social mobility and self-improvement, run as cooperatives for working people by working people: an informal, community-owned pre-cursor to the Welfare State. As the movement approaches its 160th anniversary, this exuberant book brings to life the thrills and the spills of a cultural phenomenon that might still be rescued from irrelevance.
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Clubland by Pete Brown is a captivating read that takes the reader on a journey through the evolution of the UK's club culture. The book is a testament to the creative and innovative spirit of the UK's club scene and how it has become a defining part of its cultural identity.
One of the strengths of this book is the author's ability to paint a vivid picture of the club scene, from its early days to its current state. Brown provides a comprehensive history of the UK's club culture, exploring the various genres, styles, and trends that have emerged over the years. The book is rich with anecdotes and personal stories, giving the reader a real sense of the atmosphere and energy of the clubs.
What I particularly appreciated about Clubland is the way Brown gives a voice to the people who have been a part of the club scene for decades. Through interviews and first-hand accounts, he captures the essence of what it means to be a part of this subculture, and the deep connection that many people feel to the music, the community, and the atmosphere of the clubs.
The book is well-researched and written, and I found myself fully engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of club culture or simply interested in the evolution of popular music, Clubland is must-read. It's a comprehensive, insightful, and entertaining look at the UK's club scene, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in music, culture, and the history of nightlife.
Overall, Clubland is an excellent book that celebrates the UK's club culture and provides a fascinating look at how it has shaped the country's musical heritage. If you're looking for a well-written, engaging, and informative book about the evolution of the UK's club scene, look no further than Clubland by Pete Brown.
