From Manchester with love : the life and opinions of Tony Wilson* *aka Anthony H. Wilson : written in 51 sections that prove how all dramatic truth contains fiction

Critically-acclaimed and bestselling author Paul Morley’s long-awaited biography of Factory Records co-founder and Manchester icon Tony Wilson. 'When forced to pick between truth and legend, print the legend.' Tony Wilson To write about Tony Wilson, AKA Anthony H. Wilson, is to write about a number of public and private characters and personalities, a clique of unreliable narrators, constantly changing shape and form. At the helm of Factory Records and the Haçienda, Wilson unleashed landmark acts such as Joy Division and New Order into the world as he pursued myriad other creative endeavours, appointing himself a custodian of Manchester’s legacy of innovation and change. To Paul Morley he was this and much more: bullshitting hustler, flashy showman, aesthetic adventurer, mean factory boss, self-deprecating chancer, intellectual celebrity, loyal friend, shrewd mentor, insatiable publicity seeker. It was Morley to whom Wilson left a daunting final request: to write this book. From Manchester With Love, then, is the biography of a man who became eponymous with his city, of the music he championed and the myths he made, of love and hate, of life and death. In the cultural theatre of Manchester, Tony Wilson broke in and took centre-stage. THE TIMES & UNCUT MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR Critically-acclaimed and bestselling author Paul Morley's long-awaited biography of Factory Records co-founder and Manchester icon Tony Wilson. A BOOK OF THE YEAR SUNDAY TIMES, NEW STATESMAN, MOJO, LOUDER THAN WAR 'Compelling . . . befitting its extraordinary subject.' BRIAN ENO 'Bracing and often surprisingly tender . . . the perfect monument.' SUNDAY TIMES 'Via Morley's magical prose Tony Wilson comes back to life . . . inspiring.' RICHARD RUSSELL Tony Wilson was a man who became synonymous with his beloved city. As the co-founder of the legendary Factory Records and the Haçienda, he appointed himself a custodian of Manchester's legacy of innovation and change, becoming a cultural pioneer for the North. To Paul Morley, he was this and much more: bullshitting hustler, flashy showman, inventive broadcaster, self-deprecating chancer, publicity seeker, loyal friend. It was Morley to whom Wilson left a daunting final request: to write this book. From Manchester with Love is the biography of a man who changed the world around him through sheer force of personality. In the cultural theatre of Manchester, Tony Wilson broke in and took centre stage. 'An immersive experience . . . very moving indeed.' MIRANDA SAWYER, OBSERVER 'Not just a "biog" but the story of a city's history and culture and a unique and disappearing figure.' STUART MACONIE, NEW STATESMAN 'Morley's biography is as illuminating on Wilson's strange ability to hold others in his orbit, even after his death, as it is on the story of his life.' THE SPECTATOR 'The man/myth Wilson died aged 57 in 2006, but here he burns on fantastically bright.' UNCUT Tony Wilson is one of the most legendary music industry figures of his generation. Celebrated music journalist Paul Morley knew Wilson personally, and is uniquely placed to tell the fascinating and intimate story of his life.