Bristol has plenty to be proud of when it comes to famous people. Some were born in the city while others were drawn to it by its colourful heritage, adventurous spirit and vibrant atmosphere of culture and enterprise. A few names, like that of the explorer John Cabot, have been woven into the fabric of the city's heritage. However, other people who helped to shape today's rich environment are hardly remembered. Within the pages of this book you'll meet the priest they called the 'Red Bishop' - the princess that never was - the inventor of a so-called 'thrashing machine' for errant schoolchildren - and the dog that became an advertising icon.

While he was still at school Bristol Lives author Maurice Fells set his eyes on one career - that of journalism. He even sent reports about school activities to the local paper and was paid by postal order for each line that appeared in print. After lessons ended he staged a nightly 'sit-in' at the Western Daily Press's newsroom running errands around the office for reporters until the editor gave him a job! He later worked for HTV West in a variety of roles including reporter, researcher, and producer. Since schooldays Maurice Fells has been fascinated by Bristol's rich and colourful history. Bristol Lives is his seventh book about his native city. His local knowledge has been drawn upon by other authors to support their work. Maurice Fells is a familiar voice on BBC Radio Bristol and his articles appear regularly in the Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press.