Against Miserabilism
A collection of articles for a new generation of activists
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vagabond Voices
Published:26th Oct '17
Should be back in stock very soon
This collection of David Widgery's articles explores political and cultural issues, offering insights that remain relevant today, especially for those inspired by Against Miserabilism.
In Against Miserabilism, David Widgery presents a compelling collection of articles that resonate with a new generation of radicals. This work serves as a thoughtful love letter from the past, highlighting the significance of activism and social justice in contemporary society. Widgery, a dedicated medical doctor in London's East End, was also a prolific writer whose insights into political and cultural issues spanned from the 1960s until his untimely passing in 1992.
The articles compiled in Against Miserabilism not only reflect Widgery's deep commitment to social change but also showcase his ability to connect with pressing issues of his time. Although these pieces were written decades ago, they are introduced and contextualized by contemporary writers who recognize their enduring relevance. Topics such as healthcare, Black activism, feminism, and civil rights are explored through Widgery's unique lens, making them accessible to today's readers.
Widgery's perspective as both a healthcare professional and a politically engaged Marxist provides a rich backdrop for his writings. His work challenges the status quo and encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of activism. Against Miserabilism is not just a historical document; it is a call to action for those who seek to engage with the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in our world.
“Socialists are people too. Their lives are not all about `politics’. Indeed the strength of Widgery’s writings is to show how it is only the lived experience of people’s lives that makes their politics real. There are only a handful of revolutionary socialists who have ever been able to write convincingly about popular music, about suffering and dying – and indeed self-critically about the successes and failures of the socialist movement itself. It is astonishing to read pieces written 30/40 years ago that are so prescient. This collection is a living memorial to and by one of the finest writers and critics ever produced by the revolutionary left.” – Stuart Weir, former editor of the New Statesman (1987-91); founder of the democratic movement Charter 88; “This anthology is as much a historical document as it is of interest as a reflection of the continuity of humanistic left concerns and principles between the 1960s and 1970s and now. It is the work of an inspired individual who is of interest as a doctor and agitator.” – Nina Power, writer and academic, senior lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Roehampton, and tutor in Critical Writing in Art & Design at the Royal College of Art
ISBN: 9781908251862
Dimensions: 210mm x 140mm x 23mm
Weight: unknown
314 pages