The history of Bristol is full of surprises, from the little-known destruction of an entire suburb in the Civil War, to the daring of Blitz teenagers as they kicked incendiary bombs down the drains, oblivious to the danger. Out just in time for Christmas is this selection from the pages of South Bristol Voice magazine by Paul Breeden, with 49 archive images, some never published before.

Paul’s history features open up the past of our fascinating city. Each one has some connection to the too-often-neglected area south of the river – but there’s always plenty to interest anyone with a curiosity about the story of Bristol.

From inventors to soldiers, from holiday camp king Billy Butlin to social reformer Mary Carpenter, Stories Of Bristol uncovers the people and the events which built Britain’s most fascinating city. 

The books features stories that you’ve heard of – and a few that you haven’t…

• The day Bedminster was burned to the ground, changing the course of its history.

• The Bristol surgeon who ignored the churchmen who said that women should suffer pain during childbirth, because it was God’s will.

• The female engineer who made a fortune from her inventions, then helped inspire her friend Brunel to design the Suspension Bridge.