Author Description

In Glimpses of Notes Ian Davidson describes in remarkable detail his education at Manchester Grammar School, beginning during the second half of World War Two. A native of Broughton-in-Furness, he brings his acute observational powers to bear on his upbringing in this great northern industrial city and his education at one of the world's great schools. Starting in the Preparatory Department and leaving from the History Sixth Form, he produces wonderful sketches of his fellow pupils and teachers. Manchester was, of course, a major target for German bombers and Ian describes hauntingly the extent of the damage, observed from the bus he caught in north-west Manchester to take him to school south of the city centre. This is a remarkable work of social history, but it is also an account of the development of a young man, growing in independence from his family, but linked inexorably to his roots in the Lake District. His education begins with the accumulation of knowledge, but as he grows and reaches the Sixth Form he develops personal judgement and learns truly to think for himself - with some unexpected results as far as his teachers and High Master are concerned. Ian's remarkable memory allows him to bring to life the physical surroundings in which he grew up over 70 years ago. The behaviour and speech of his schoolmates are vividly represented and readers of all ages will recognise universal characteristics common to different periods of history. This is a book which will entertain and delight anyone connected with, or interested in, the city of Manchester and its Grammar School.