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Peterloo
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
5 posts | 2 read | 1 to read
A visually dramatic graphic novel re-enacting the conflicts, personalities and social tensions that led to Manchester's infamous Peterloo Massacre in 1819.
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Bookwomble
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
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Pickpick

As late as 1972, the true history of the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 was being suppressed. I wonder if the burgeoning social unrest of the '70s had a chilling resonance for those in power? This plaque was much later replaced by the accurate red plaque pictured in my previous post.
The inquest into the massacre was such a travesty that to avoid embarrassment it was halted and removed from the York Coroner to London, where it was never recommenced ⬇️

Bookwomble ... and there is still no official verdict as to the deaths of at least 18 people and the wounding of up to 700 others caused by local militia and army.
While a graphic history must necessarily condense the narrative, Polyp does a great job of illustrating the background of radical politics and the reactionary measures taken by the government and vested interests. Most of the script is quoted from contemporary witness statements and news reports.
2mo
AnnR I probably won't read the book, but I learned a lot from your thoughtful and informative review. 👍🙂 2mo
quietlycuriouskate I see this and immediately think of Shelley. 2mo
Bookwomble @quietlycuriouskate Yeah, Shelley is referenced in the book re writing The Mask of Anarchy 🙂 2mo
Bookwomble @AnnR Thank you 😊 And it's a very quick read, if your library has a copy 😉 (Michael, the Book-Pusher! 😄) 2mo
32 likes5 comments
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Bookwomble
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
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For my birthday a couple of weeks ago, we stayed overnight at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, which overlooks St Peter's Square, the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre. Our room was opposite Manchester Central Library, which was on the itinerary to visit, & it seemed fitting that I bought this graphic history from the library shop
I enjoyed Polyp's graphic biography of Thomas Paine, so I'm looking forward to this, though it's likely to make me 😡

Dilara Peterloo is such a strange beast, in that the majority of the population have no idea what it is, but to those who do, it is a defining event in British history... 2mo
Bookwomble @Dilara It's exactly the part of history suppressed by the Establishment, and which they decry as "re-writing history" when it is spoken of. I'm constantly surprised at how radical British history has been, and how little of it I was taught at school. 2mo
TrishB Most working class/social history is not taught in schools. We still did the pink map of the empire when I was in school. And not the true version 2mo
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Bookwomble @TrishB Same here - given my parents' lack of interest in politics, and being raised in the then solidly Tory seat of Southport, I'm not sure how my own left-wing consciousness developed. Perhaps the reading of books, rather than the burning or suppression of them? 🤔🤷‍♂️ 2mo
TrishB My dad was so far left he was def a communist! He used to tell me the ‘alternative‘ history of everything. Got me in trouble in school a few times. My Mum though thought the ‘secret‘ ballot meant you couldn‘t tell anyone - so she never did! It does show you that you can find your own path as you did! 2mo
Bookwomble @TrishB Power to your dad! ✊😀 My dad says the same as your mum about the 'secret ballot'! 2mo
33 likes6 comments
review
arlenefinnigan
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
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This is an amazing book, essential for anyone interested in social history. The illustrations are stunning and thought provoking, the events are really well researched. An incredibly moving account of a terrible event.

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arlenefinnigan
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
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😂 ✊

CarolynM Have you seen Mike Leigh's film? Some usually reliable reviewers rubbished it so thoroughly (in fact I've never heard them more scathing) I've been put off. 5y
arlenefinnigan @CarolynM no, I was going to watch it at the pictures but given how very long it is I decided I'd be bette off watching at home where I can pause if needed! I've heard it's really good 5y
CarolynM I'd love to hear what you think when you've seen it. 5y
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arlenefinnigan
Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre | Robert Poole, Eva Schlunke
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Midweek afternoon #BooksAndBooze with Kazakhstan v San Marino on the telly (and the proper #WWC2019 football at 5). Can't beat it.

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