A City of Light: Socialism, Chartism and Co-operation - Nottingham 1844
By Christopher Richardson
In the dark days of the 1840s when Britain was hit by industrial stagnation, financial markets collapsed, and in Ireland famine stalked the land, working class pioneers sought new lives and futures, a new society of their own choosing - a 'city of light upon a hill'. They were not alone.
From the claustrophobic yards of the parish of St Mary and the gloomy streets of Narrow Marsh they came, courageous women and men seeking enlightenment from libraries that were theirs, from books and newspapers of their own choice, asserting the right to freedom of association. As chartists, socialists, co-operators, they challenged the inhumanities of the Poor Law; contested charges of sedition, blasphemy and riot; confronted the forces of established religion; and championed new forms of democratic control. Their struggles became beacons of hope.
This book contains stories from Nottingham in 1844, interwoven with those of past and future years, many of these tales previously untold. Their deeds resonate across the generations to this day.
For excerpts from the book please see: https://acityoflight.wordpress.com/category/excerpts/
First published in July 2013, this book is now in its second reprint. A5 paperback, 243 pages.
Available for £7.99 from:
5 Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH
Nottingham Tourism Centre, 1-4 Smithy Row, Nottingham NG1 2GR
Waterstones, 1/5 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GR (or order from any branch)
The Bookcase, 50 Main Street, Lowdham, Notts Ng14 7BE
Ex-Libris, http://maskedbooksellers.org.uk
The Sparrows Nest, www.thesparrowsnest.org.uk
SPECIAL XMAS 2014 OFFER: Only £7.99 (postage and packing free) incl. £2.50 donation to People's Histreh (Nottingham Radical History Group): https://acityoflight.wordpress.com/book/ . Mark your order 'OurNotts Xmas offer'.
This book is also available as a Kindle book for £2.97.
Reviews of 'A City of Light: Socialism, Chartism and Co-operation – Nottingham 1844':
'This is an outstanding collection of fascinating tales which are really worth reading'. Richard Venner, Nottinghamshire Local History Association.
'This book adds significantly to our knowledge of mid-19th century Nottingham and deserves a place on the bookshelf of any Local Historian with an interest in the history of the labour movements of the UK, of Chartism, Owen socialism, Co-operation and Feminism. It is highly recommended.' Howard Fisher, The Thoroton Society.
'It's fantastic'. Ross Bradshaw, 5 Leaves Bookshop.
Published by Loaf on a Stick Press, Nottingham. ISBN 978-0-9569139-4-4.