Violent London - by C Bloom (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Almost as soon as it was built, London suffered the first of many acts of violent protest, when Boudica and her followers set fire to the city in AD 60. Ever since, the capital's streets have been a forum for popular insurrection. Covering nearly 2,000 years of political protest, this is a riveting alternative history of past and present conflict.

Review Quotes

'This isn't just a history of riots and revolts: because each disturbance has to be placed in context, this is a political history which is made all the more interesting because it concentrates on the flashpoints, and the events which caused them. ' - The Guardian

' [an] ambitious and erudite chronicle of protest in the capital assiduously researched...' - The Times

'Clive Bloom's rigorous examination and analysis of radical protest in the UK throughout the ages stretches across 600-odd pages, and justifies every word. Acts of violent rebellion in the distant past are discussed, with their relevance to modern times cleverly pointed up, and Bloom colourfully evokes insurrections from AD 60 onwards. Little wonder, in fact, that JG Ballard was generous in his praise for an earlier edition of the book.' Barry Forshaw, The Good Book Guide

Reviews of 1st edition (Pan):

'An exhilarating rush through countless riots, insurrections and full-blown street wars...written in a racy and accessible style...As I read this superb history, I looked out at my quiet suburban garden, disappointed not to hear the sound of trumpets.' - J. G Ballard, Daily Telegraph

'A breathless but exhilarating journey from Boudica to such recent events as the aftermath of September 11th and the march of the Countryside Alliance, Bloom's viewpoint is nicely balanced, critical of government and especially of the police, but not unreasonably so, and not too passionately keen that the rebels should win every time.' - Times Literary Supplement

'Seamless, full of information, connections and insights.' - Juliet Gardiner, BBC History Magazine

' [A] masterful study.' - Max Dunbar, 3: AM Magazine

'Clive Bloom's rigorous examination and analysis of radical protest in the UK throughout the ages stretches across 600-odd pages, and justifies every word. Acts of violent rebellion in the distant past are discussed, with their relevance to modern times cleverly pointed up, and Bloom colourfully evokes insurrections from AD 60 onwards. Little wonder, in fact, that JG Ballard was generous in his praise for an earlier edition of the book. Violent London is a thoroughgoing literary exploration of London's 'secret' history, from the world of radicals and subversives (including Wat Tyler to the Anti-Globalization Movement via the Gordon Riots, the Cato Street Conspirators, the Suffragettes, Mosleyites and the IRA)'. - Barry Forshaw, Good Book Guide

About the Author

Clive Bloom is Emeritus Professor of English and American Studies at Middlesex University, UK. Widely published and Series Editor of Palgrave Macmillan's Crime Files series, he is the author of Violent London and Riot City, amongst many other titles.