"In this book John Walton sets the myths against the evidence and charts the rise of the real Blackpool, warts and all, with due attention to the social problems and conflicts associated with a pioneering, popular resort. He offers explanations for the remarkable trajectory of sustained growth which Blackpool has experienced until recently, giving full weight to the years since the first World War as well as the formative and transitional late Victorian and Edwardian decades. He also looks at the wider significance of the growth of Blackpool for economy, society and politics in the wider world."--BOOK JACKET.