The Book of Bradford (A City In Short Fiction)

Author(s): Saima Mir (Editor)

Location(s): Bradford

Genre(s): Short Stories

Era(s): Various

In the year 1905, infamous occultist Aleister Crowley gets more than he bargained for on a passing visit to Bradford…

A successful businessman, returning to his native city, suddenly finds himself overwhelmed by a yearning for his youth…

A single-mother despairs at the growing estrangement of her son, while protesting delays with the city centre’s redevelopment, only to be surprised by the city’s power to heal…

The stories gathered in The Book of Bradford remind us that anyone who tries to dismiss Yorkshire’s third largest city (or its resurgence) does so at their peril. Time and again, Bradford has demonstrated an unexpected resilience. After decades of challenges, the former ‘wool capital of the world’ has evolved into a proudly modern city, one famed for its rich diversity, youthful energy and vibrant cultural landscape – and, crucially, a city unashamed of the scars of all those hard-won victories. From estranged family members to newly-acquainted neighbours to cafe workers and their regular customers, this collection is filled with characters that epitomise Bradford’s ability to build bridges, overcome differences and move forward.

Commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

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