Solidarity
CANADA’S UNKNOWN REVOLUTION OF 1983
B.C. History, Politics
- Price
- $24.95
The year 1983 began like any other year in Canada’s West Coast province. Then suddenly everything changed. The newly elected provincial government announced an avalanche of far-right legislation that shocked the country. A resistance movement called Solidarity formed across British Columbia and there were massive street protests, occupations, plans for an all-out general strike. Revolution in one province?
Filled with revealing interviews and lively, insightful prose, David Spaner’s Solidarity goes behind the scenes of one of the great social uprisings in North American history. This book is a documentation of the Solidarity months of 1983 and more than that — 1983 is intimate storytelling, mixing popular culture and rebel politics, finding political answers in the personal lives of those touched by Solidarity. Like other uprisings — from France in 1968 to the anti-racism protests of 2020 — Solidarity arrived unexpectedly and rocked social foundations. In recreating this one singularly dramatic event, 1983 becomes the history of 20th century B.C. that hasn’t been written — exploring its great divides and unions, cultures and subcultures, conflicts that continue into the 21st century. The book 1983 brings Canadian history to life like never before.
Reviews
Nominated for the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature.
Included on John Ackermann's CityNews BookShelf “Best
Reads of 2022”
“The book is lively, engaging, and highly informative about what was going on behind the scenes.” —Labour/Le Traivail: Journal of Canadian Labour Studies
“A compelling portrayal of the landscape that roused dozens of groups — diverse in age, culture, and beliefs — to work together. This is an essential volume for B.C. bookshelves.” —BC History
“Rescues an important moment in B.C. history from mainstream amnesia and does so in stylish, effective prose. Highly recommended.” —Vancouver Sun
“It's a story that cries out to be told.” —BC BookWorld
“One of the more engaging books of the season, a terrific book of history.” —Joseph Planta, The Commentary
“It was a wonderful read. I highly encourage you to get out and get a copy.” —Am Johal, Below the Radar
“An archival testament of one of this province's most dramatic epochs.” —Jewish Independent
“High-quality black-and-white photos and copies of leaflets from the many rallies illustrate this fascinating time in labour history. Much of the material includes media reporting and first-person accounts. A glossary of acronyms, an index, and footnotes support this rich, accessible text” —BC Books for Schools
Book Details
Pub Date: December 2021
Trade Paperback
254 Pages
Print ISBN 9781553806387
E-book ISBN 9781553806394
6” x 9”
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