From its humble thirteenth-century origins, Liverpool grew rapidly to
become the greatest port in the British Empire outside London, but by
1980 the city was seemingly in terminal decline: its population had more
than halved, its infrastructure and economy were decaying, and its
political leaders were leading the city towards complete collapse. Today
though, Liverpool is experiencing a renaissance; it has one of the
fastest-growing economies in Britain, it has been a European Capital of
Culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool's proud and
distinctive identity is embodied in the buildings that have shaped the
city. Liverpool in 50 Buildings explores the extraordinary history of
this rich and vibrant community through a selection of its greatest
architectural treasures. From the Royal Liver Building to the
prestigious Oriel Chambers, and from the University of Liverpool to
Speke Hall, this unique study celebrates the city's architectural
heritage in a new and accessible way. Well-known local author Ian
Collard guides the reader on a tour of the city's historic buildings and
its modern architectural marvels.