The Chamberlains - father Joe and sons Austen and Neville - are probably the country's best-known political family. Synonymous with Birmingham, they achieved both local fame and fortune and, with Neville's appointment as prime minister, the highest national office. Together, they transformed late Victorian Birmingham into 'the best-governed city in the world'. This book is richly illustrated with archive photographs from the Birmingham Central Library (located, of course, in Chamberlain Square) as well as political cartoons from national magazines such as Punch and local publications such as The Era, The Lion, The Dart and The Owl.

Documenting the family's far-reaching influence on their adopted home town, from their political and business legacies to the buildings, streets and memorials that now carry their name, it also aims to present a picture of the private lives of the family: their relationships with their spouses, children and extended family, their hobbies and interests, and the houses and gardens they lived in. Birmingham and the Chamberlains provides a fascinating insight into the Chamberlain's legacy, and will delight anyone who has lived or worked in the city.

About the Author
Peter Drake is head of local studies at Birmingham Central Library. Working with Paul Harris, he has compiled this selection of photographs from the extensive library archives.


Book Information
ISBN 9780752444925
Author Peter Drake
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 165mm * 10mm