Category Archives: book review

A Better World for Women: British Women Trade Unionists visit the Soviet Union in 1925

Posted on March 8, 2017 by lipstick socialist

In 2017 it feels  like the word hope has left the political vocabulary. Politics today seems to be all  about trying to hang  on to our jobs and our public services. It feels as if we are all in the … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, Communism, feminism, human rights, International Women's Day, labour history, Manchester, political women, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Book Review; Women Workers and the Trade Unions by Sarah Boston

Posted on February 19, 2017 by lipstick socialist

Where can you read about the history of the trade union movement? Over the years I have been on many trade union courses,  but none of them gave me any insight into the history of my union or the origins … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, feminism, human rights, labour history, Manchester, political women, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“We cannot go on as usual”: my review of “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” by Angela Y Davis.

Posted on January 1, 2017 by lipstick socialist

“Pessimism of the Intellect and Optimism of the Will”. This phrase sums up how I feel about 2016. I came across this  quote in a brilliant book  Freedom is a Constant Struggle; Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement … Continue reading →

Posted in anti-cuts, book review, Communism, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, Palestine, political women, Socialism, Socialist Feminism, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The chains of history connecting 1910 to 2016 : from Mary MacArthur and Mary Quaile to the Durham Teaching Assistants.

Posted on November 17, 2016 by lipstick socialist

Last week,  when  speaking at a West Midlands Unison meeting for women about the life of Mary Quaile,  I was vividly reminded  of the power of women and the power of women in trade unions.  While the problems women face … Continue reading →

Posted in anti-cuts, book review, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, political women, Salford, Socialism, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Book review; All in a Day’s Work: Working Lives and Trade Unions in West London 1945-1995, edited by David Welsh.

Posted on November 11, 2016 by lipstick socialist

Reading this book reminds me of Brecht’s poem, “Questions From a Worker Who Reads” (1935).  It reminds us of our trade union history – the lives of women and men who, over the years in this country, have contributed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blacklisting campaign, book review, education, feminism, human rights, Ireland, labour history, political women, Socialism, Socialist Feminism, TV drama, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Rojava; the real alternative. My review of “The Alternative Towards a New Progressive Politics” edited by Lisa Nandy MP, Caroline Lucas MP and Chris Bowers; and “Revolution in Rojava” by Michael Knapp, Anja Flach and Ercan Ayboga.

Posted on November 3, 2016 by lipstick socialist

In 1925 the Manchester Irish trade unionist Mary Quaile led a TUC delegation to the new Soviet Union. Mary had spent her life working at a grassroots level with women workers; advocating for women’s involvement in trade unions so that … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, Communism, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, Manchester, Middle East, political women, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“How many magnificent battles will be won…”Our Enid The Life and Work of Enid Stacy 1868-1903

Posted on October 27, 2016 by lipstick socialist

Over the last few months we have seen a revival in grassroots trade union activity, much of it by working class women. From the Kinsley Cleaners in Wakefield to the Teaching Assistants in Derby and Durham – women working in … Continue reading →

Posted in biography, book review, Communism, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, political women, Socialism, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Book review; See Red Women’s Workshop Feminist Posters 1974-1990

Posted on October 13, 2016 by lipstick socialist

Activists today could learn a lot from the history of the See Red  Women’s Workshop. In this new book  which documents the life of the collective 1974-90, they provide some important lessons for all of us in how you get … Continue reading →

Posted in anti-cuts, book review, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, political women, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Read my weekly roundup of radical arts and politics…Burning Doors, Daredevil Rides to Jarama, Kinsley Women Cleaners, Sounds and Sweet Airs

Posted on October 2, 2016 by lipstick socialist

            Watch some political theatre. My favourite writer and socialist, Jim Allen, said of his plays; “I hope that the audience demand answers and action. I’m not keen on sending them to bed happy-I want … Continue reading →

Posted in anti-cuts, book review, drama, education, feminism, human rights, labour history, Manchester, political women, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Book Review; Rebel Crossings New Women,Free Lovers and Radicals in Britain and the United States by Sheila Rowbotham

Posted on September 22, 2016 by lipstick socialist

  For Sheila Rowbotham history is both personal and political. In her latest book, Rebel Crossings, she links the lives of the six main characters – and their quest for a better world  – with her own history of political … Continue reading →

Posted in book review, Communism, education, feminism, labour history, Manchester, political women, Socialism, Socialist Feminism, trade unions, Uncategorized, women, working class history, young people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment