Set the Night on Fire

Set the Night on Fire by Mike Davis and Jon Wiener provides a riveting and comprehensive chronicle of the political and social upheaval that defined Los Angeles during the 1960s. This groundbreaking work delves into the city's pivotal role as a catalyst for change, documenting the rise of significant movements and influential figures that shaped the era. Drawing from extensive archival research and numerous interviews with key figures of the time, Davis and Wiener paint a vivid picture of Los Angeles as the epicentre of revolutionary activism. The book explores the profound impact of the Black Power movement, highlighting the early prominence of Malcolm X and Angela Davis, and the nationwide reverberations of the Watts uprising. It also examines the Chicano walkouts and the Moratorium, pivotal moments in the fight for Chicano rights, and traces the origins of 'Asian America' as a political identity. Los Angeles served as a hub for the antiwar movement, attracting countless activists who sought to end the conflict in Vietnam. Moreover, its vibrant counterculture scene became a breeding ground for new, radical ideas. The city’s unique cultural landscape is brought to life through detailed accounts of personal histories, which Davis and Wiener, both native Angelenos, supplement with their expert commentary. Building on the success of Davis’s award-winning work on Los Angeles, City of Quartz, Set the Night on Fire is not only a historical document but a powerful narrative delivered with eloquence and passion. The book stands as an essential corrective to the traditional East Coast-centric histories of the 1960s, placing Los Angeles firmly at the heart of the decade’s transformative events. Davis and Wiener's prose is scintillating and fiercely elegant, making Set the Night on Fire an engrossing read for anyone interested in the social and political dynamics of the 1960s. This detailed movement history is indispensable for understanding the forces that shaped modern America and the enduring influence of Los Angeles on national and global scales.