Books | livblackhistory2014

Black Liverpool: The Early History of Britain's Oldest Black Community 1730-1918 by Ray Costello

(Piction Press, 2001)

The fascinating story of an invisible people. During the 18th century, the rise of Liverpool from an obscure seaport to one of the richest trading centres in Europe also saw its emergence as a centre for the education of early black students and the home of a free black community drawn from many sources. Liverpool's Black community dates back to even before the American War of Independence which caused numbers of free Black Loyalists to settle in London and the growing township of Liverpool.

Early settlers ranged from freed slaves and black servants to the student sons and daughters of African rulers, who had visited the port from at least the 1730s. In this book the names, faces and personalities are added to these early forgotten Black British, lost in the mists of time.

This book is not just about 'great' men and women: it is also testimony to those other early Black Liverpudlians whose lives may have seemed undramatic or mundane, but are no less heroic in dealing with the daily struggle of life in what were often hard times for black people.

ISBN 13: 9781873245071 | ISBN 10: 1873245076

Pure Pressure by Louis Julienne

Louis Julienne has created an epic story of tension, tragedy and survival in his debut novel.

Set in Liverpool at the start of the Liverpool 1981 uprisings, PURE PRESSURE tells the story of matriarch Lizzie Leung and her extended family during that turbulent period and beyond.

A widow and a born survivor who has raised her family against the odds, Lizzie Leung has overcome tragedy and guilt that prepares her for the turmoil that follows. This compelling saga is interspersed with rich and brilliant vignettes of an ethnically diverse community under attack from within and outside its boundaries, captured with keen wit and a knowing eye. Violent confrontations, political intrigues and historical perspectives acted out by characters that will stay long in your memory

From the Page to the Stage by Levi Tafari

Levi Tafari's new collection follows the success of his previous book, Rhyme Don't Pay. There is an engaging humour, variety and vitality in his poetry, whether writing of love of various kinds or his concern for society and the environment.

Levi is a brilliant performer of his work and these poems dance from the page to the stage and back again.

"Levi Tafari's voice is in tune with the rhythm of life. He is in touch with a natural energy which runs exuberantly through his poems: righteous and uplifting, positive and probing, liberating and reffirming."
(Dave Ward)

ISBN 13: 9781902096971 | ISBN 10: 1902096975