Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Fellow of Liverpool Hope University, and of the Royal Society of Arts, and have a lifetime of experience in leading and teaching in all professional sectors. I have written 18 books on the history of Liverpool and its City Region, and am currently writing two more, for publication in 2022. I have also produced a series of TV documentaries and a set of audio CDs. However, my second qualification is that I am a Liverpudlian born and bred, and I am deeply proud of both of these facts. I love my city and its people (and its unique history and heritage) with genuine passion but no illusions, and I take the greatest pleasure in sharing this with as many people as possible in every medium available to me.


I wrote

Liverpool: The Rise, Fall and Renaissance of a World Class City

By Ken Pye,

Book cover of Liverpool: The Rise, Fall and Renaissance of a World Class City

What is my book about?

This tells the complete story of Liverpool ‘from the Dinosaurs to Liverpool Waters’. Ken describes how the originally tiny hamlet,…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Liverpool

Ken Pye Why did I love this book?

Published originally in 1957, this is a definitive history of the Town and later City of Liverpool. It gives a detailed overview of the many facets of Liverpool’s history, in a well-researched, fully referenced, and eminently readable form. It gives details that cannot be found in other publications, and provides the researcher, historian, or simply interested reader an exciting and informative insight into the place and its people.

I love this book because George Chandler loved and cared for the City, and yet was an unbiased observer. He writes with clarity and detail that is informed and driven by that love, and it is a joy to read. It is also well illustrated with many unique images, maps, and sketches.

By George Chandler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Liverpool as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of The Gangs of Liverpool: From the Cornermen to the High Rip - The Mobs That Terrorised a City

Ken Pye Why did I love this book?

Liverpool in the 19th century was actually two cities; one of fabulous wealth (a powerful minority of the population) and the other of grinding poverty and deprivation (the majority of the population). This divide, and the dreadful living and health conditions of the poorer and working classes led to a great deal of crime, often carried out by violent gangs of mostly young men.

This book tells the stories of how this came about, and of the gangs and their members. It pulls no punches, and paints a picture of the dark underbelly of what was then ‘The Second City of The British Empire’ that people often choose to ignore. I love this book for all these reasons!

By Michael Macilwee,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Gangs of Liverpool as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Victorian Liverpool was a city of abundant wealth and abysmal poverty. By day the broad streets bustled with wealthy merchants making fortunes from the booming dock trade. By nightfall they were taken over by fearsome gangs from the foul courtyards and overcrowded tenements. Shrieks and screams cut the air, while brawls and brutal muggings were commonplace.

The Gangs of Liverpool is a fascinating tour through a long-forgotten netherworld where armed ruffians fought for territory or pride and no man was safe after dark. From warring Catholic and Protestant mobs of the 1850s with names like the Hibernians and the Dead…


Book cover of Liverpool: City of Architecture

Ken Pye Why did I love this book?

Liverpool’s Architecture represents all schools, styles, and tastes, and this book captures exactly that using glorious colour plates for each of the 226 buildings in the book. Each image is supported by a readable but detailed write-up on the history of the building, and an analysis of its style and composition. It also talks about the respective architects, and gives dates and other statistical information where appropriate.

I love this book because it is a tour-de-force by a respected historian and architect who loved his work, and who loved his city. This shows in the book.

By Quentin Hughes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Liverpool as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Liverpool City of Architecture [Nov 15, 1999] Hugh


Book cover of The Illustrated History of Liverpool's Suburbs

Ken Pye Why did I love this book?

It is easy to look at the history of the City of Liverpool and forget that the original town was comparatively tiny, consisting of only seven streets. The modern city is the sum of many parts ~ each of these originally townships or villages in their own right, surrounding the emerging town. As Liverpool grew in size and population it swallowed up these places, and they became the suburbs of Liverpool. This book tells brief histories of many of these and puts them all in context with their dominating conurbation.

I love this book because it is not only fascinating and informative, but it is fun. Its pictures bring the text to life.

By David Lewis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Illustrated History of Liverpool's Suburbs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Illustrated History of Liverpool’s Suburbs is the first single-volume history of the development of the residential areas of the city. The author chronicles the growth of the suburbs and illuminates the lives of people who lived in them. His fascinating book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the story of Liverpool. The narrative is illustrated with more than 200 photographs, drawings and maps from Liverpool Record Office – most of which have never been published before. David Lewis shows how the countryside, farms and villages developed into the urban streets, residential areas, shopping districts and industrial estates…


Book cover of In the Footsteps of Peter Ellis: Architect of Oriel Chambers and 16 Cook Street, Liverpool

Ken Pye Why did I love this book?

Beautifully and fully illustrated with photographs, sketches, charts, and maps, this tells the triumphant yet tragic tale of a genuine unsung hero of Liverpool and British architecture. Ellis was a many genuinely ahead of his time who built the first building with a steel frame and skeleton, encased in stone cladding. This enabled the creation of the first ‘skyscrapers. His work inspired this major development in building construction, yet he was scorned, castigated, and drummed out of his profession by fellow architects.

I love this book because it tells Ellis’s story fully, and celebrates his work, skill, craftsmanship, and inspiration.

Explore my book 😀

Liverpool: The Rise, Fall and Renaissance of a World Class City

By Ken Pye,

Book cover of Liverpool: The Rise, Fall and Renaissance of a World Class City

What is my book about?

This tells the complete story of Liverpool ‘from the Dinosaurs to Liverpool Waters’. Ken describes how the originally tiny hamlet, on the banks of the ancient Pool, went on to be the home of the world’s first wet dock, canals, railways, and scheduled transatlantic liners ~ as well as much, much more!

It tells how the Medieval town grew to become the social and commercial ‘crossroads of the world’ and how it took its place as the second port and city in the British Empire. The story continues through the centuries to World War Two and finally with the modern rebirth of Liverpool, and the triumphant success as a European Capital of Culture and a World Heritage City and Port. 

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The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

Book cover of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

Susan Hartzler Author Of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an accomplished author, award-winning writer, seasoned blogger, and savvy Public Relations Consultant, but my true passion lies in being a die-hard dog lover. Due to the demands of my current pack of Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve built a rewarding career working from home, writing dog-centric books, blogging for diverse clients, consulting in public relations, and creating dog-friendly travel stories. I also launched the online shop, “Dog Travel Gear,” where I share tips and adventures with fellow dog lovers on the blog, “Paws on the Go.”

Susan's book list on life with dogs

What is my book about?

As one of 67 million Americans who serve as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that, while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. The author's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to…

The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

What is this book about?

In a role 67 million Americans face as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this challenging period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. Hartzler's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to consider…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Liverpool, World War 1, and Europe?

Liverpool 20 books
World War 1 913 books
Europe 946 books