A book written by SalfordOnline.com’s Local History Editor which went on sale in June 1982 is now selling for over 500 times its cover price.
Copies of Tony Flynn’s A History of the Pubs of Eccles, which has been out of print since 2000, are now changing hands online for over £540.
It charts the pub scene in Eccles from the late 1860s to early 1980s, and contains some of the only-available pictures of pubs like The Pineapple in Patricroft, The Hanging Gate on the now-demolished Timothy Street and The Irwell Inn on Lane End.
Around 1,000 copies were sold for the initial price of £1.
Calculating for 30 years of inflation, that price today would only be £3.43.
Demand meant that another 1,000 were published.
The 40-page book is dedicated to Tony’s son Sean, now 33, with the immortal words “Keep out of ’em”.
The Old Bulls Head – Eccles
It’s one of five books published under his name in the 1980s: A History of Eccles Pubs, History of Salford Cinemas, History of Eccles Cinemas and Music Halls, Hanky Park and Cross Lane.
But even the author admits he hasn’t got a copy of his own, having given away the 50 complimentary copies of his own to friends and family.
Tony said: “I must admit that I was amazed to find copies of my book selling on Amazon for £541, I suppose I should do an updated version really.
“To be honest, writing it was a labour of love for me.
The Old House at Home, Church Street – Eccles
“I had co-authored books on Salford pubs with the late and sadly-missed Neil Richardson of whom I can’t speak highly enough.
“Looking back at it some 30 years later it does look a tad amateurish compared to what’s possible today, but the content still stands the test of time.
“I tried to tell an amusing or historical story for each pub and I think that I managed that.
“I also interviewed several people considerably older than me at the time and got told some fascinating stories which come across in the book.”
The Queen’s Arms, Patricroft, 1958
Since publication Eccles has lost scores of once-popular pubs including The Golden Cross, The Black Boy, The Waggon and Horses, The Hare and Hounds, The Wellington and The Star, with several others looking in danger of closure.
“In their place we have a Wetherspoons, numerous trendy bars in Monton – not pubs in my opinion – The Barley Mow, The Station Bar and I think that’s about it,” said Tony.
Still, Eccles has fared much better on the pub front than Salford, a city that could once boast of having over 400 inns and hostleries to choose from.
Tony Flynn now edits SalfordOnline.com’s popular History section, as well as reporting on all aspects of life in Salford.
[Editor’s note: Mr Flynn refused to write this piece himself, citing modesty and decorum]
