A People's History of London - Lindsey German and John Rees

The history of London is the story of its people – its workers, immigrants, pamphleteers, agitators, exiles and revolutionaries

For nearly 2,000 years, London has been a breeding ground for radical ideas, home to thinkers, heretics and rebels. A People’s History of London presents fascinating portraits of the heroic idealists who made the city their home. Lindsey German and John Rees bring to life the dissident priest John Wycliff and the Levellers’ Civil War struggle. They delve into the travails of the silk weavers, match girls and dockers who crusaded for workers’ rights. And they recount the Battle of Cable Street, where East Enders took on Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts. This updated edition recounts the battles of recent years: the Grenfell disaster, the inspiring Palestine movement, and the fight for a city fit for its people, not one hobbled by developers and landlords.

'The history of London we have been waiting for, told with elegance and precision.'

Ken Loach

'Those who continue to uphold London's living traditions of protest will be able to take heart from this fresh and welcome look at the city's history.'

Guardian

'An irrepressible book about an irrepressible community'

Zadie Smith