When Writing Local History Becomes Archaeology
Glasgow Smells. What a brilliant title for a local history book. Who wouldn’t want to read that?
Glasgow Smells is the first book Michael Meighan wrote, apart from his hugely successful business manual, written while he worked for Manpower Services Commission, How to Design and Deliver Induction Training Programmes.
The idea for Glasgow Smells came to Michael after a bump on his head robbed him of his sense of smell. This loss made him reflect on the smells he’d experienced during his Glasgow childhood: the Subway, the trains, the steamie, the stairheid cludgies. Drawing on his own memories and using family photographs, Michael created a humorous and personal local history book which was published by Tempus Publishing in 2007.
He has followed this title with other well researched and informative books, such as Glasgow Smells Better (another cracking title), Glasgow with a Flourish and Glasgow a History. For the train enthusiasts and transport aficionados, he’s published Glasgow Central Station Through Time, Edinburgh Waverly Station Through Time and Forth Bridges Through Time. Focusing on our nation as a whole, he’s produced Scotland’s Lost Industries and Scotland Remembered – a History of Scotland Through its Monuments and Memorials. These are just some of Michael’s titles published over the last few years, and a quick look on Amazon reveals more intriguing titles.
I’m taking the easy way out here (cheat!), and not blogging too much more about Michael’s talk, because the man himself has very kindly provided his own comprehensive and interesting blog which details everything he spoke about and more. He’s even added beautiful illustrations. Check it out here – mikeonthemove – Mike On The Move (wordpress.com) Thanks, Michael.
What I will say is, Michael spoke on many things that greatly interest me – mind maps, old photographs on eBay, vintage postcards, Trove, vintage advertisements and old magazines.
I learned lots, such as –
- Kirkcaldy stank of linseed oil:
For I ken mysel’ by the queer-like smell
That the next stop’s Kirkcaddy! (The Boy in the Train by Mary Campbell Smith)
Linseed oil was used in the production of linoleum, and Kirkcaldy, at one time, was the world producer of the flooring.
- Fountainbridge, in Edinburgh, was the birthplace of the green welly boot (North British Rubber Co.) which helped save military feet from trench foot during WW1.
- Robert Burns’ friend and Supervisor in the Excise Service, Alexander Findlater’s remains were exhumed at Anderston and re-interred at Glasgow’s Linn Cemetery to make way for the Kingston Bridge.
Refreshed by a cup of tea, a blether and a browse of Michael’s books, we regrouped for a Question & Answer Session.
Michael discussed how his management development background assisted his planning approach to his writing, how he had to adapt from writing in first person to third person for one of his books and how he prefers using his own relaxed, chatty style/ his ‘own voice’. He explained that, when he first wrote Glasgow Smells, there was a huge gap in the market – very few local history books existed. Local history books, in Michael’s opinion should not be too academic – they should be written in language that the people who want to read them can understand and engage with. Clarity and context are important.
Nigel asked: ‘Any research areas where you have found a brick wall and not been able to progress?’
‘No’ – was Michael’s reply, which is encouraging news for anyone researching local or social history.
So, what else has Michael been writing about? Currently his book, Glasgow – A Transport History, is with his publisher, Amberley, and due to be published later this year. But Michael also has a new eBook, with an Ayrshire connection, coming to Kindle soon – A Drink With Robert Burns. Both sound brilliant reads.
We could’ve talked writing and research all night, but eventually Nigel drew the evening to a close with an appreciative vote of thanks. As I hurried downstairs to catch my lift home, I wondered about ‘Ayr Smells’ – fish’n’chips, seaweed and ice cream, perhaps? Any more suggestions?
There could be a bestseller there!
Linda Brown