With charm, warmth and humour, Billy Hopkins vividly evokes the sometimes tragic, sometimes hilarious and always touching story of his beloved dad. 'Tommy's World' gives us a richly nostalgic glimpse of a time almost forgotten, and of people who knew how to make the best of what little they had. Based on the fascinating and inspiring life of the author's father Tommy, born in a Manchester slum in 1886 Tommy Hopkins' early years aren't very promising. Born at the end of the 19th century in a slum district of Manchester, he's blessed with a loving mam and dad, but they don't have two ha'pennies to rub together. But Tommy is a survivor. At school he quickly makes lots of friends, and together they plot money-making schemes and play football. Then, it's time to leave the playground behind. Denied the chance of a career, Tommy instead finds employment at Manchester's Smithfield market and works his way up, finally becoming a porter. He's becoming a man, and amongst the young women who catch his eye is Kate Lally, who may just be the love of his life...