HOUSMANS NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2019

HOUSMANS NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2019
Housmans Bookshop,
5 Caledonian Road,
London N1 9DX
Tel: +44 (0)20 7837 4473 
shop email: shop@housmans.com   
map: http://ow.ly/vtLpZ
www.housmans.com
"Support the shop that supports your campaigns!"
www.radicalbooksellers.co.uk/

NEWS /ACTIONS
1. Bernard Franks Memorial Book Sale
2. No Pasaran -  A European Conference Against the Rise of the Far-Right

INSTORE EVENTS
3. AUTONOMY NOW present: 'Anarchism, Syndicalism and the Amsterdam Congress of 1907' with Anthony Zurbrugg and Carl Levy
4. Red Utopias with Marylise Vigneau
5. FAUTLINE: Poetry, Lisa Fannen
6. Authentocracy: Joe Kennedy & Juliet Jacques in conversation
7. Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Nazi League with David Renton and Ruth Gregory

READING AND DISCUSSION GROUPS8. Fuse Book Club – forthcoming titles
9. Feminist Sci-fi Book Club at Housmans
10. Housmans Queer Book Club
11. Self-Care as an Act of Warfare: A Black Women's Reading Group
12. London Pacifism and Nonviolence Discussion Group
____________________________________________

NEWS /ACTIONS

1. Bernard Franks Memorial Book Sale
Currently out for sale in our basement is the library of Bernard Franks, very kindly donated to Housmans by his estate. The collection is primarily made up of Marxist and, often rare, historical tomes. Bernard was self-educated and wrote on many subjects, including a lengthy work on the French Revolution (there are many books on the Revolution in his collection).  His comrade Phil Edwards has written more about his life on our blog: http://www.housmans.com/blog/ 
As ever we endeavour to keep the prices of such books as cheap as possible – the vast majority are on sale at £1, while a few are at £3 and £5. 

2. No Pasaran - A European Conference bringing together activists from across Europe and beyond to discuss and organise against the rise of the far-right
Saturday 2^nd March – Central London


The far-right is on the offensive: the biggest upsurge since the 1930s. They are increasingly internationalised, well-funded and well-organised. Bolsonaro's victory in Brazil extends this wave into Latin America. These developments must be countered by rapid and effective mobilisation. This conference will bring together left and progressive forces from across Europe and beyond: to work together, to promote viable political alternatives and coordinate an effective response.
For further information and registration visit www.prruk.org 

IN-STORE EVENTS
3. AUTONOMY NOW present:
'Anarchism, Syndicalism and the Amsterdam Congress of 1907' with Anthony Zurbrugg and Carl Levy
Thursday 31^st January, 7pm – Free entry
The Amsterdam Anarchist Congress of 1907 was a unique occasion for libertarians to meet and discuss. In France several libertarians were leading the French Labour Confederation the CGT: did they offer a new and better strategy? What opposition were they facing? Did libertarians offer an alternative to Social-Democracy and the growing threat of war?
click here for more info

4. Red Utopias with Marylise Vigneau
Saturday 9th February, 7pm
Free entry
Red Utopias is a collection of three books that bring together the photographs and texts of 10 European authors and photographers. These books aim to allude to the portrayal of the political utopia by those directly affected by Communism after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union. This is being achieved by exploring 3 main topics: the collective memory, the spaces and the People.
click here for more info

5. FAUTLINE: Poetry, Lisa Fannen
Sunday 10th February, 6-7pm
Free entry
Lisa Fannen has been writing, and sharing words both solo and in collaboration with musicians. She launched a debut poetry collection, Faultline in November 2018 published by Active Distribution/Sto Citas. She'll be reading poems and sharing related stories from Faultline (which includes snapshots, lyrics, journal notes and meditations spanning the last ten years) and will welcome any conversation that emerges.
click here for more info

6. Authentocracy: Joe Kennedy & Juliet Jacques in conversationWednesday 13^th February, 7pm
Entry £3 redeemable against any purchase
Join Joe Kennedy and Juliet Jacques to discuss our obsession with authenticity, and the ways it has been instrumentalised politically.  We are entering, we are told, a post-liberal age. Authoritarian populism is in the ascendant, and permissiveness, multiculturalism and "identity politics" have allegedly failed us, meaning that we must now fall back on some idea of tradition. However, it's not only the usual, conservative suspects who are making this argument, but centrist politicians who. "Authentocracy" is the populism of the centre, with a spurious concern for "real people" that's part of a broader turn within British culture. In their declaration that the Left can only save itself by becoming less liberal, our guests charges liberals themselves with fuelling the post-liberal turn, and asks where the space might be found for an alternative.
click here for more info

7. Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Nazi League with David Renton and Ruth Gregory
Wednesday 27^th February, 7pm
Entry £3 redeemable against any purchase
Our guests discuss David's new book 'Never Again' which tells the story of the fascist National Front who were rampaging in the late 70s, and the campaigns which played such a key part in counteracting them.
click here for more info

READING AND DISCUSSION GROUPS 

8. The Fuse Book Club – forthcoming titles

Housmans has a monthly book club which usually meets on the second Thursday of the month, starting at 7pm in the shop. Forthcoming titles under discussion are:

Thursday 14th February: Tell Me How it Ends by Valeria LuiselliThursday 14th March: Revolting Prostitutes by Juno Mac and Molly SmithIf you would like to find out more about the reading group, please email catherine@housmans.com. The Fuse has its own web page with more info here: http://www.housmans.com/fuse.php

9. Housmans Feminist Sci-fi Book Club 
Genderless societies, anarchist planets, polyamorous aliens, parthenogenesis, feminist militias, reproductive dystopias, cyborg families, and more at the Housmans Feminist Sci-Fi Book Club! Join us at the bookshop on the first Thursday of every month, 7pm-9pm. All genders welcome. Please bring drinks or snacks to share. 
 
Thursday 7th February: The Swan Book by Alexis WrightThursday 7th March: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
Book Club books available at 20% discount from Housmans. Any questions please email Hannah on scifi@housmans.com  or check the book club page here.

10. Housmans Queer Book Club
Housmans Queer Book Club is a new group that reads a wide range of LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction. We meet every second Thursday of the month from 7-8:30pm. All genders are welcome, as are any snacks, drinks and book suggestions you can bring along too. You can find future book club titles in Housmans, a 20% discount can be applied to them if you mention the group.

Thursday 14th February: The Bone People by Keri HulmeThursday 14th March: Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima
11. Self-Care as an Act of Warfare: A Black Women's Reading Group
Held the third Thursday of month. The group is free to attend. Group members get a 20% discount if they choose to buy the upcoming book from the shop. The event is open to all women (trans, intersex and cis) of Black African and Caribbean descent. Black non-binary, agender or gender variant people who feel they can contribute to and benefit from attending are welcome.
Space is limited so if you would like to come please email: blackfeministreading[at]gmail.com

Thursday 21st February – This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa
12. London Pacifism and Nonviolence Discussion Group
Housmans has a regular Pacifism and Nonviolence Discussion Group, who meet on the second Tuesday of the month. All are welcome, but please be prepared to join in the discussion. Please try to turn up by 7pm sharp. 

In FEBRUARY (on Tuesday 12 February), we plan to discuss NONVIOLENCE AND TOLERANCE.For more information please visit: http://londonpacifismnonviolence.wordpress.com/  

The Green Party Trade Union group sends support to all those UCU members in FE colleges who are striking

“The Green Party Trade Union group sends support to all those UCU members in FE colleges who are striking today (29/1/2019) and congratulations to those branches that have won deals or talks. I also send personal solidarity ad a member of the UCU London retired members' branch."

Peter Murry, London Green party Trade Union Liaison Officer pp GPTU

Growth, Degrowth and Climate Justice

Sat, 23 February 2019

12:00 – 17:00 GMT

Kennington Park Community Centre

Harleyford Street

London

SE11 5SY

With speakers including:

*Jason Hickel*, author of The Divide: a brief guide to global inequality and its solutions
*Ann Pettifor*, prizewinning economist and author of The Production of Money

We’re rapidly racing towards the precipice. Billions of people are directly threatened by climate breakdown. But the reality is that this is completely avoidable.

The problems that hurtle us towards collapse are systemic. While the benefits of fossil fuels and growth accrue to the few, everyone else shoulders the costs. Our economy puts corporate profit ahead of ordinary people, and the planet.

So our choice is clear, system change or climate change.

The degrowth perspective is one conception of system change. Supporters say we have to detach living standards from growth to save the planet. But what would our lives look like in a post-growth world? Is something like a Green New Deal an alternative way of dealing with the climate crisis, or does it fail to get to the heart of the problem? And do people in the global south still need economic growth to achieve a dignified standard of living?

Join Global Justice Now for a day of workshops and discussion on the subject of degrowth and climate justice.

Tea and coffee will be provided. There are disabled toilets, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

London GP Mayoral Hustings

London GP Mayoral Hustings 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1240&v=as0e64m5eiA

 London GP Mayoral Hustings 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXgTe33MnBk


 final remarks

The regular events newsletter from the TUC in your region 19 January 2019-

The Regional Council is appointed annually by affiliates and county associations of trades councils and meets four times a year to discuss both how to achieve policy determined at the national TUC and to make specific policies on regional issues. At its Annual General Meeting, it elects officers and an Executive Committee that meets monthly. To register as an observer please contact lese@tuc.org.uk  <lese@tuc.org.uk>

♥ Unions Week 11-17 February

This years theme is challenging zero hour contracts- more information to follow.

16 February - LESE Transport Industries Network "Artificial Intelligence Robots New Technology Automation"

Unite Offices, Theobald Road, London, WC1X 8TN

Where now for transport workers? A serious detailed exploration of what is happening in transport and what we need to do. Key speakers include: Sharon Graham UNITE, Leonardo Impett and Victor Figueroa ITF

16 February 209- A day school -  'Humanising Migration Narratives post Brexit', to be held on the organised by the  ‘Ella Baker School of Transformative Organising’ in association with Unite Community.

The event will bring together community activists, anti-racists, migrant supporters, academics and trade unionists to discuss how we challenge an increasingly toxic and deliberately hostile narrative around migration, in the specific context of the impending Brexit.

The day will be taken up with a series of sessions looking at the context in which anti migrant narratives have become so dominant, how communities can best respond to far right provocations, and techniques for creating new unifying narratives. Each of these will involve an introduction followed by break-out sessions, where discussions leading to resolutions can be developed while allowing all attendees to participate as equals.
More details ellabakerscholoforganising@gmail.com or sign up here:
https://goo.gl/forms/nfDtvwU20NU4hOGC2
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=053721fdce&e=2a529a0c2b>

23 February 2019- TUC LESE Creative and Leisure Industries Network "Future of the Arts" Conference

The fourth conference of the Show Culture Some Love campaign – hosted by the London, Eastern & South-East Region of the TUC - is being held on Saturday 23 February 2019 in TUC Congress House, 23-28 Great Russell
Street, London WC1B 3LS. Further information to follow.

To register to attend please contact lese@tuc.org.uk  <lese@tuc.org.uk>

*23 February - **Stand Up To Racism Trade Union Conference* 10.30am-4.30pm (Registration from 10am) - Hamilton House London

https://www.facebook.com/events/346086039308173/
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=6f3274a967&e=2a529a0c2b>

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-to-racism-trade-union-conference-2019-tickets-52666028509?fbclid=IwAR0sX5x6ubV8brWs6Co-8hII09RZYwrDm23PubuqPj2ECqiqAT1aeYkOQJg
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=a0ce711d5d&e=2a529a0c2b>

16 March - UN anti-racism day demonstration in London

March in London as part of an international day of action against racism and the far right
https://www.facebook.com/events/2013107605418593/
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=f08cecdc49&e=2a529a0c2b

23 March - International Brigade memorial Trust : Len Crome Memorial Conference 11am (registration from 10.30am) to 4pm Kellogg College Oxford

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/len-crome-memorial-conference-2019-tickets-48232321171
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=fb246457a8&e=2a529a0c2b>
http://international-brigades.org.uk/content/23-march-len-crome-memorial-conference-oxford
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=13c6d41652&e=2a529a0c2b>

30 March- LESE Organising Against the Far-RightTUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS  Register with lese@tuc.org.uk
TUC Directory 2019 – Now available!

The popular yearbook of facts, stats, links and useful information about Britain’s largest voluntary organisation is fully revised for 2019.

Prices held at 2018's once again, this invaluable book is a must for all trade union offices and branches,  In addition there's a handy unions-by-work-sector list, and infographics about union density and reach, using official statistics.

This is on Pre-Order, available in January.

https://www.tuc.org.uk/publications/tuc-directory-2019
<https://tuc.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ebd004a8047907dc47d269fd1&id=0fbeb117b0&e=2a529a0c2b>

Or contact Paul Rey-Burns for bulk discounts.
Prey-burns@tuc.org.uk 0207 467 1294

2 November 2019- GMB March for Hospital Workers Rights 12 Noon - Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, KT2 7QB Speaker - GMB General Secretary Tim Roache


[

"Future of the Arts" Conference

We are writing to let you know that the fourth "Future of the Arts" Conference is being held on Saturday 23 February between 1.00-5.30pm in TUC Congress House, 23-28 Great Russell St,London WC1B 3LS.

This event is being hosted by the London, South-East and Eastern Region of the TUC and is being organised in conjunction with the "Show Culture Some Love" campaign.

The main aim of the conference is to look at arts funding - how it is funded, how much funding should be made available and what funding should be spent on. Our guest speakers will include politicians, academics, trade unionists and those who work in the sector.

As ever, we will make time for speakers from any ongoing disputes/campaigns that are taking place - and we will have some artistic input from "Poetry on the Picket Line". Full details will be published in due course.

(1) Opening Session: 1.00pm-2.30pm

(2) Break: 2.30pm-3.00pm

(3) Workshops: 3.00pm-4.30pm

(4) Plenary Session: 4.30pm-5.30pm

If you are interested in attending, please email Jo Williams via: jowilliams@tuc.org.uk

With best wishes,

Fran Rifkin (Chair)/Tom Taylor (Secretary)

Creative & Leisure Industries Committee, TUC LESE Region

A European Conference bringing together activists from across Europe and beyond to discuss and organise against the rise of the far-right Sat, March 2, 2019

A European Conference bringing together activists from across Europe and beyond to discuss and organise against the rise of the far-right

Date And Time
Sat, March 2, 2019

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM GMT

Add to Calendar

Location
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church

235 Shaftesbury Avenue

London

WC2H 8EP

The far-right is on the offensive: the biggest upsurge since the 1930s. They are increasingly internationalised, well-funded and well-organised. Bolsonaro’s victory in Brazil extends this wave into Latin America.

These developments must be countered by rapid and effective mobilisation. This conference will bring together left and progressive forces from across Europe and beyond: to work together, to promote viable political alternatives and coordinate an effective response.

These are dangerous times: time for unity and solidarity.

For further information and registration visit www.prruk.org

To get involved contact nopasaran@prruk.org

Organised by the journal Transform UK and supported by Global Justice Now, Stand up to Racism, Another Europe is Possible, European Left Party, Espaces Marx, transform! Europe, DiEM 25 UK, The Monitoring Project, Greece Solidarity Campaign and others.