Book lifts lid on 125 years of Leeds life
How about the time ecapologist extraordinaire Harry Houdini nearly came a cropper on a city stage thanks to a barrel of Tetley’s bitter?
And why on earth did Leeds United’s legends celebrate winning the FA Cup with nothing stronger than a cup of tea and sandwich at a motorway service station?
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Hide AdAll these questions and countless more are answered in a brand new book looking back at the story of Leeds and some of the incredible things that have happened in the city.
I wrote In Love With Leeds to mark the 125th anniversary of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
It was a fascinating process which unearthed gems that had been hidden in the YEP’s archives for decades.
I discovered that the paper came about because of interest in the late 19th century trial of murderer Charlie Peace.
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Hide AdLoiners couldn’t get enough of the case and The Yorkshire Post printed special editions to keep up with demand.
From this came the idea to launch an evening paper for Leeds and ever since the YEP has told the story of the city, its triumphs and its tragedies, in millions of words and pictures.
In Love With Leeds uses illuminating extracts and incredible images to chart the course of the city we know and love.
It takes a look at some of the biggest stories that have gripped us over the course of the last 125 years and gives the lowdown on the era-defining events that have unfolded here.
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Hide AdThere are iconic photographs and little-known details of visits from royalty, world leaders and some of the planet’s biggest music stars.
The ups and downs of Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and other sporting heroes down the decades are closely documented and there’s a look at some of the city’s most inspirational figures. The book also chronicles how Leeds has transformed itself – from bustling town to booming city.
It’s the story of Leeds through the eyes of the people who know it best.
In Love With Leeds will be published by Great Northern Books next month.
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Hide AdBut if you pre-order a copy before September 7, your name (or that of a friend or relative) will be printed in a list at the back of the book.
A bookplate dedicated to the name of your choice will also be inserted at the front of the book.
And there’s a special offer for YEP readers who would like to buy more than one copy of a book that’s sure to stir memories, as well as offer new insights into the story of the city we know and love.
For full details visit www.ypbookoffer.co.uk or call 01274 735056.
A few gems from the new book
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Hide AdThe royal visit of King Edward VII almost saw a riot when police tried to remove a miner who had shinned up a lamp post to get a better look.
The German airship the Graf Zeppelin passed over Leeds in 1931, triggering fears it was on a spying mission.
Don Revie was convinced Leeds would win the 1972 FA Cup final after seeing a bride on his way to Wembley.
Michael Jackson installed backstage chandeliers, water fountains and miniature gardens when he played Roundhay Park in 1988.