Other books that might interest you

• 

  An Arrow Against All Tyrants -...

  Richard Overton

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  In 1646 in Newgate Gaol in London, a political activist, Richard Overton, penned a pamphlet that contained dangerous ideas. An Arrow Against All Tyrants asserted the inalienable rights of the individual.
  'No man has power over my rights and liberties, and I over no man's... For by natural birth all men are equally and alike born to like propriety, liberty and freedom.'
  The thoughts contained within were radical at a time of historic upheaval in England.
  This book reprints Overton's bold, declamatory pamphlet, carefully typeset from the original at the British Library.
  It is introduced by Ian Gadd, Professor of English Literature at Bath Spa University, who sets Overton's work into its literary and historical context.
  An Arrow Against All Tyrants is deal for anyone interested in the tumult of radical ideas during the English civil wars and the both of human rights.
  Introduction by Ian Gadd (excerpt)
  In October 1646, somewhere on the streets of London, the bookseller George Thomason picked up a scruffily printed work entitled An Arrow Against all Tyrants and Tyranny by Richard Overton (fl. 1640-63) and, as was his habit, noted the date of his latest acquisition on its title-page. Thomason had been systematically collecting all sorts of printed items since 1640 and An Arrow was just the latest example of what he and his contemporaries would have called a pamphlet – a word that, of course, still has currency today but that lacks much of the potency and meaning that it had for Overton's first readers.
  First of all, a pamphlet was not a book. This may seem a curious thing to say, especially as you're currently holding this book in your hands, but a 17th Century reader would have understood the distinction. For a start, a pamphlet was not bound. Many printed works in England in this period were sold unbound – as folded, printed sheets ó in the expectation that a purchaser would get them bound, but some kinds of printed items, including pamphlets, were never intended for binding. Instead, a pamphlet like An Arrowwould have been 'stab stitched': simply held together by coarse thread that had been stabbed through the left-hand margin when the pamphlet was closed. In contrast to the careful, precise, and hidden sewing of a book binding, stab-stitching signalled a pamphlet's sense of urgency and directness – and also its likely ephemerality.
  More in book
   

  Show book

• 

  The English Constitution

  Walter Bagehot

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Though published in 1867 when the British Empire was approaching its height, Walter Bagehot's essay "The English Constitution" is not only one of the great political classics but is also an unquestionably relevant document for our times. Despite the passing of more than 150 years, despite huge changes in enfranchisement, in attitudes and in world order, this fascinating document prompts us to re-evaluate the process of government - wherever we live. And what is more, it is written with grace, elegance - and wit! Of course, it is a document of its time. It appeared just as the working classes of Britain were enfranchised by the Reform Act of 1867, which meant that Bagehot had to bring out another edition with an extended introduction. His comments are shrewd in some cases and will raise 21st-century eyebrows in others. Nevertheless, the body of the book remains a clear and astute look at how the famously ‘unwritten' English Constitution operates, with all its pros and its cons...a system that emerged over centuries to become a unique constitutional monarchy. The work is divided into nine chapters, including "The Cabinet", "The Monarchy", "The House of Lords", "The House of Commons", and "Its Supposed Checks and Balances". Overall, Bagehot (1826-1877) casts an admiring but coolly analytical eye over the whole construction. In a fascinating section, still apposite today, he compares the cabinet government of England with the presidential government of the US, pointing out that in the former, the executive and legislative functions are joined, whereas in the latter they are separated. Not surprisingly, Bagehot unequivocally prefers the former. He salutes the political temperance of English constitutional monarchy - though he acknowledges the performance of the individual on the throne can and does vary with the individual. When he refers appreciatively to his current monarch - ‘she' - one could almost be excused for thinking that he is speaking of Queen Elizabeth II! This appraisal of the English form of government, which evolved over time rather than being implanted with form and structure complete, is absorbing listening to all who are interested in the governing of societies, politics and England. This is true particularly because of the immense changes and challenges we are experiencing today. A classic commentary on its subject, it is read admirably by Peter Wickham.

  Show book

• 

  Moneyless Society - The Next...

  Matthew Holten

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  IT'S TIME FOR AN ECONOMIC EVOLUTION. 
  The evidence is all around us: Humans are squandering natural resources and destroying the environment. There is no real debate about climate change. And with an ever-widening wealth gap, inequality is destabilizing many regions and worsening famine, disease, and civil unrest. 
  We must change, fast - and yet we hesitate. 
  Moneyless Society: The Next Economic Evolution explores how capitalism throttles Earth's capacity to sustain life and undermines our deep longing to live in peace and prosperity. Fortunately, it also provides a blueprint to innovative thinking and new structures to replace our outmoded monetary system. In short, Moneyless Society illuminates just how much our lives and those of future generations could improve with a new kind of freedom: freedom from money. 
  We are at a crossroads: we can choose abundance, community, and prosperity, or we can continue down the path toward collapse. The choice is ours. 
  NOTE: Be sure to download the free supplemental materials (PDF) here or on MoneylessSociety.com.

  Show book

• 

  Unmasking America - A Nation's...

  Anthony E. Fisher

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Racism, a biting and unyielding virus, is the cankerworm that has shaken the entire world to the very roots. Over time, it has separated us, led to violence, caused untold death tolls, hardships, and worse of all, led to a crippling fear that can, in turn, lead to worse consequences if not dealt with accordingly. We are all humans, with a right to life and fair treatment regardless of the differences in our colors. Our colors are works of art that are linked to varying compositions of the melanin pigment. The pigmentation does not define us. It does not dictate how we act or react, and definitely, it should not be the yardstick to measure who gets fair treatment and who does not. So, why does racism exist? Should it continue to go unchecked? Take a journey into the author's mind as he uncovers our nation's systemic problems with social injustice.

  Show book

• 

  Let the People In - The Life and...

  Jan Reid

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  This intimate biography of the pioneering Texas governor is “required reading for political junkies—and for women considering a life in politics” (Booklist). 
   
  When Ann Richards delivered the keynote of the 1988 Democratic National Convention and mocked President Bush—“Poor George, he can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth”—she became an instant celebrity and triggered a rivalry that would alter the course of history. In 1990, she won the governorship of Texas, becoming the first ardent feminist elected to high office in America. Richards opened pathways for greater diversity in public service, and her achievements created a legacy that transcends her tenure in office. 
   
  In Let the People In, Jan Reid offers an intimate portrait of Ann Richards’s remarkable rise to power as a liberal Democrat in a deeply conservative state. Reid draws on his long friendship with Richards, as well as interviews with family, personal correspondence, and extensive research to tell the story of Richards’s life, from her youth in Waco, through marriage and motherhood, her struggle with alcoholism, and her shocking encounters with Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter. 
   
  Reid shares the inside story of Richards’s rise from county office to the governorship, as well as her score-settling loss of the governorship to George W. Bush. Reid also describes Richards’s final years as a mentor to a new generation of public servants, including Hillary Clinton.

  Show book

• 

  For the Love of Community...

  Becky Hirst, Wendy Sarkissian

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Becky Hirst is a skilled community engagement practitioner who is willing to tell it how it is. And she has grave concerns for the future of public participation.  
  To have a thriving society, we need people and communities who are actively involved in civic life. For politicians, public servants, corporations, or planners to engage with communities in any positive way, they need to learn a new way of doing things. 
  A wealth of sophisticated public consultation slogans, methods and frameworks are frequently seen. But we are close to breaking point. Some fundamental things are missing. And, right now, we need to focus our energies on them. As a matter of urgency. 
  Whilst this book shines a clear light of day on hard truths we can’t escape, the stories within it are about love, passion, enthusiasm and a heartfelt commitment to community empowerment and community building. 
  Becky’s expedition through her career to date is authentically presented as 20 easy-to-follow key insights, combined with 100 conversation starters to provide the reader with calls to both reflect and act. 
  For the Love of Community Engagement seeks to inspire better public participation – and that it will!

  Show book