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Staying Power

The History of Black People in Britain
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Staying Power offers a sweeping history of black Britons from the Roman era through to modern times. Peter Fryer highlights significant figures such as Mary Seacole and Olaudah Equiano, showcasing two thousand years of Black presence and influence in Britain. Originally published during a turbulent period of race relations in the 1980s, the book challenges historical erasure by integrating black experiences into the broader British narrative. This edition features a classic introduction by Paul Gilroy and a new foreword from Gary Younge, exploring the book's relevance amid current political challenges like Brexit and rising nationalism.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book suits readers interested in British history, social justice, and the contributions of Black individuals to British society. It is valuable for students, educators, and anyone seeking to understand race, identity, and history within the UK context.

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The classic history of black people in Britain, an epic story that spans the Roman conquest to the present day.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Staying Power is a panoramic history of black Britons. Stretching back to the Roman conquest, encompassing the court of Henry VIII, and following a host of characters from Mary Seacole to the abolitionist Olaudah Equiano, Peter Fryer paints a picture of two thousand years of Black presence in Britain.

First published in the '80s, amidst race riots and police brutality, Fryer's history performed a deeply political act; revealing how Africans, Asians and their descendants had long been erased from British history. By rewriting black Britons into the British story, showing where they influenced political traditions, social institutions and cultural life, was – and is – a deeply effective counter to a racist and nationalist agenda.

This new edition includes the classic introduction by Paul Gilroy, author of There Ain't No Black in the Union Jack, in addition to a brand-new foreword by Guardian journalist Gary Younge, which examines the book's continued significance today as we face Brexit and a revival of right-wing nationalism.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745338309

Publisher: Pluto Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 September 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pluto Press

Edition: Third Edition

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Paul Gilroy
  • Foreword by Gary Younge

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 692g

Pages: 656

About the Author

Peter Fryer (1927-2006) was a British writer and journalist, whose coverage of the arrival of citizens from the Caribbean onboard the HMT Empire Windrush led to a deep and long-lasting interest in the histories of Black Britons. In 1984, he wrote the classic book Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain (Pluto, 2018). Paul Gilroy isΒ the founding Director of the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Race and Racism at University College London. He is a renowned sociologist, historian and cultural theorist recognised for his pioneering work on race, Black diaspora and postcolonial culture. He is the author of The Black Atlantic, amongst other classics. Gary Younge is a journalist, author and broadcaster. He is editor-at-large for The Guardian. His latest book is Another Day in the Death of America (Guardian Faber Publishing, 2017).

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