Louise Michel, a French anarchist in London
With Constance Bantman and Martyn Everett
7pm start, Friday November 1st.
Venue: Housmans Bookshop.
In 1891 Louise Michel started an anarchist school in London. Using this event as a focal point, Constance and Martyn explore aspects of the life and ideas of Louise Michel that lead to a better understanding of both Louise and her anarchism.
Louise Michel was one of the most influential French political figures in the second half of the 19th century plus one of the most powerful women political theorists of her day.
If you have never heard of Louise Michel before, or are merely curious about anarchism, then this is also an ideal way to get into the topic. You have two excellent speakers who really know their subject area.
This is one talk you can’t afford to miss!
Dr Constance Bantman is Deputy Head of School, Director of Learning & Teaching, Senior Lecturer in French at the University of Surrey. Her research focuses on the history of French political exiles in Britain and anarchist transnationalism between 1880 and 1914, with a focus on ideological and political transfers, experiences of political exile, the asylum question in the long nineteenth century as well as the history of terrorism. These questions were the focus of her doctoral research and 2013 monograph, ‘The French Anarchists in London (1880-1914): Exile and Transnationalism in the First Globalisation (LUP, 2013)’, as well as a number of journal publications.
Martyn Everett was a founder member of the Anarchist Research Group, which is affiliated to the History Workshop, the collective of professional and community-based researchers which has made the most sustained and substantial contribution to the writing of history ‘from below’. For 2 years he was editor of the Anarchist Research Group newsletter. He has published many articles and reviews in the academic and in the popular press.
Martyn Everett’s life and work is informed by his anarchist philosophy. He is committed to promoting change ‘from below’ by giving people free access to information which affects their communities: he is an active campaigner for community radio. For over 20 years he has worked to protect the natural environment and to preserve historic buildings and ancient monuments.
Additional media.
Wikipedia on Louise Michel.
Paul Mason discusses Louise Michel for Radio 4’s Great Lives in 2013.
Venue Address
Housmans Bookshop
5 Caledonian Road
King’s Cross, N1 9DX
Maps/directions here.
This talk is on Friday, not our usual Thursday slot.