'Rescues the British industrial working class from what EP Thompson described as the enormous condescension of posterity, a cultural condescension that relegates working people to under-footmen and scullery maids.' David Aaronovitch, Financial Times 'A refreshing, vivid account of nine of the most important days in the history of the British labour movement. Mustill puts the reader right in the centre of the action: with the working-class communities who lived and breathed the strike.' Nadia Whittome MP 'Wealthy, efficient and enjoying broad support, Britain's ruling class in the 1920s was unrivalled for its efficiency and foresight. At the same time, the British working class was the largest, best organised and most conscious of its class solidarity. The General Strike of 1926 was an almost pure test of power and will between these two mighty forces. With narrative flair, cool passion, and a telling eye for detail, Edd Mustill tells the story of this legendary duel, those extraordinary nine days in May when all eyes worldwide turned to the class struggle on Britain's shores.' Marc Mulholland, author of The Murderer of Warren Street Drawing on an expansive range of existing accounts, as well as previously undisclosed archival material, this book magnificently explores the multidimensional dynamics of what was a remarkable historical class confrontation between capital and labour. Reassessing both the sheer scale of government and state counter-mobilisation against the miners and their supporters, and the ultimate capitulation of the TUC General Council in calling off the General Strike, it also counters the narrative of British moderation by providing compelling evidence of the inspiring spirit of grassroots militancy, initiative and revolt albeit unable to prevent the miners being left isolated and defeated. Ralph Darlington, author of Labour Revolt in Britain 19101914 'A reliable, honest and comprehensive history. The bibliography alone runs to eight pages, including local histories and memoirs as well as archives, newspapers and general histories. A fascinating and outstanding work. Highly recommended.' Mike Jackson, cofounder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners
