The book has 260 colour photographs of the city you can see today. The quality of the photography is simply outstanding. The book has been made the official millennium book of the city and is very good value at just �13-99 for a hardback book.

Birmingham is a city that has often been considered a rather dull industrial place to live. However, this image is changing and the book Positively Birmingham certainly helps the reader to understand the driving forces that are taking the city forward.

For me the chapters on Public Art, CBSO/Symphony Hall and Birmingham Royal Ballet were high points. However, the contrast of Victorian and modern architecture all through the book will be of great interest to urban planners and city designers.

A great read for everyone with an interest in Birmingham or those with a general interest in how cities are facing the future.