Book launch - Sewing Freedom: a new book on early NZ anarchism




Sewing_freedom_launch_hi





Sewing Freedom, by Jared Davidson, is the first in-depth study of anarchism in New
Zealand during the turbulent years of the early 20th century—a time of
wildcat strikes, industrial warfare and a radical working class
counter-culture. Interweaving biography, cultural history and an array
of archival sources, this engaging account unravels the
anarchist-cum-bomber stereotype by piecing together the life of Philip
Josephs—a Latvian-born Jewish tailor, anti-militarist and founder of the
Wellington Freedom Group. Anarchists like Josephs not only existed in
the ‘Workingman’s Paradise’ that was New Zealand, but were a lively part
of its labour movement and the class struggle that swept through the
country, imparting uncredited influence and ideas. Sewing Freedom places
this neglected movement within the global anarchist upsurge, and
unearths the colourful activities of New Zealand’s most radical
advocates for social and economic change.



More information on the book, a sampler, and reviews, can be found at www.sewingfreedom.org



ABOUT THE LAUNCH:

WHEN: Wednesday 15 May - 5.30PM

WHERE: The Boardroom, Museum of Wellington City & Sea, Queens Wharf, Jervois Quay

Books will be on sale for $15 cash on the night.

Free entry. Nibbles and drinks provided.




“Sewing Freedom works on several levels. It is a meticulous
biography, a portrait of an era, a sophisticated discussion of anarchist
philosophy and activism, and an evocation of radical lives and ideas in
their context. Davidson has designed a fresh, crisp book with visual
impact, nicely enhanced by Alec Icky Dunn’s wonderful sketches... This
beautifully-executed book tells an important story in New Zealand’s
political history.” - Chris Brickell, Associate Professor of Gender Studies at Otago University and author of Mates and Lovers

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