Abstract

The radical response to conservative heritage tours and banal day-tripper guides, Rebel Footprints brings to life the history of social movements in the capital. Transporting readers from well-known landmarks to history-making hidden corners, David Rosenberg tells the story of protest and struggle in London from the early nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.

From the suffragettes to the socialists, from the Chartists to the trade unionists, the book invites us to step into the footprints of a diverse cast of dedicated fighters for social justice. Individual chapters highlight particular struggles and their participants, from famous faces to lesser-known luminaries.

Rosenberg sets London's radical campaigners against the backdrop of the city's multi-faceted development. Self-directed walks pair with narratives that seamlessly blend history, politics and geography. Specially commissioned maps and illustrations immerse the reader in the story of the city.

Whether visiting it for the first time, or born and raised in it, Rosenberg invites you to see London as you never have before: the nation's capital as its radical centre.
'By offering us a guide to our radical past, Rosenberg reminds us of the strong tradition of dissent that has shaped our history and made us who we are'
Billy Bragg
'David has brought the streets and buildings of London alive to the real history of the city and the struggles of ordinary people. Anyone reading this will walk the streets of our city with a different view of the world, and what people can do when they act together'
Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party and MP for Islington North
'This brilliant book brings London's long tradition of radicalism and rebellion to life. Using walks to show how dissent led to democracy, it is a fitting testimonial to the collective struggles of Londoners of every colour and creed. I for one will be dusting down my walking shoes and taking to the streets to find out more.'
Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the TUC
'You haven't walked the streets of London unless you've understood the secret history of revolt, rebellion and poverty hidden all around you in its bricks and alleyways. Rosenberg takes you there as no other writer has done'
Paul Mason
'Stirs my heart's old sympathies with the idealism of the radical Left. I still urge you to let Rosenberg take you on his London journey'
Dave Hill, the Guardian
'Informative and well-judged ... There is so much that is inspirational in this book'
Nicholas Lezard, the Guardian
'A book of detail and passion'
Danny Dorling, Times Higher Education
'As a reminder of our radical past and an inspiration for our radical future, Rosenberg's book deserves its place in the front rank'
Morning Star