Land and Labour: Marxism, Ecology and Human History
Friday 24 January at 6.30pm
With Martin Empson
Martin Empson draws on a Marxist understanding of history to grapple with the contradictory potential of our relationship with our environment. In so doing he shows that human action is key, both to the destruction of nature and to the possibility of a sustainable solution to the ecological crises of the 21st century.
"This superb book examines humanity‘s dynamic relationships with nature − from the dawn of civilisation to modern times − with a view to better understanding the social roots of today"s environmental crises. Engaging, comprehensive and very well-written, it"s an important contribution to the field of Marxist ecology."
− Simon Butler, co-author Too Many People
"Martin Empson puts today‘s global environmental crisis into historical context, showing how humanity has used and abused the rest of nature for thousands of years, and how in a few hundred years capitalism has brought us to the brink of disaster. It is essential reading for everyone who wants to know how we got into this mess − and how we can get out of it."
− Ian Angus, editor Climate and Capitalism
Admission £2, refundable on any purchase. Call 020 7637 1848 to reserve your place.
Mariner, Renegade and Castaway: Chris Braithwaite
Tuesday 18 February, 6.30pm
With Christian Hogsbjerg
Chris Braithwaite (aka "Chris Jones") was a black Barbadian seaman who became a leading organiser of colonial seamen in inter-war Britain. He played a critical role in the Pan-Africanist and wider anti-colonial movement alongside figures such as C L R James and George Padmore. Christian Hogsbjerg recovers this long overlooked life of a black radical and political trade unionist, and suggests his determined struggle for working class unity in the face of racism and austerity retains relevance for us today.
'Christian Høgsbjerg's "biography from below" of West Indian seaman Chris Braithwaite opens a portal onto an dynamic Black and Red Atlantic world of work and politics. Here is an excellent contribution to a "people's history of the sea."'
- Marcus Rediker
"Through his scrupulous research of the compelling life and times of Chris Braithwaite, Christian Høgsbjerg has uncovered the vital contribution of a pioneering black activist and anti-colonial stalwart. Braithwaite's brave achievement should be on the curriculum of all our schools."
- Chris Searle, Race & Class
Admission £2, refundable on any purchase. Call 020 7637 1848 to reserve your place.
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