London, 1984: Conflict and Change in the Radical City

In 1984, two different cities in London, one shaped by radical politics and the other by Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative government, came into conflict. London, 1984 explores the radical history of the capital during this tumultuous era, including anti-apartheid marches, alternative childcare centers, protests against Docklands development, tensions on housing estates, a raid on a gay bookshop, and the Greater London Council's attempt to build a challenge to Thatcherism. The book offers a panoramic, timely, and revealing portrait of the city in a pivotal decade in its modern history, showing the roots of London and Britain today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the vibrant city of London, a clash of two distinct urban identities unfolded in 1984. One was rooted in radical politics, while the other was shaped by the conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher. This was a city caught in a transitional phase, oscillating between two eras and grappling with conflicting ideologies of social democracy and neoliberalism. To unravel the rich tapestry of this tumultuous era, a wide range of previously unused sources has been employed, providing a comprehensive exploration of the radical history of the capital. From the grandiose anti-apartheid march in central London to the alternative childcare center nestled in Dalston, from the protests staged on the Thames against Docklands development to the tensions on housing estates in the East End and Tottenham surrounding racial violence and policing, from the raid on a gay bookshop in Bloomsbury to the audacious attempt by the Greater London Council to challenge Thatcherism from County Hall, Lambeth, and beyond, the story of London, 1984 unfolds like a mosaic of events. It is a narrative that intertwines struggles within the corridors of power with those fought on the ground, through popular culture and activism, and in the daily lives of ordinary Londoners. This is a tale of resilience and determination, where individuals and communities sought to influence the shape and nature of their city amidst profound challenges. These years witnessed a myriad of issues, including deep-rooted racial violence, policing controversies, and poverty. They also sparked debates over feminism, gay and lesbian rights, anti-racism, job opportunities, economic strategies, neoliberalism, and the very essence of the state. Global concerns such as Apartheid, nuclear weapons, and Northern Ireland added an international dimension to the local landscape. Through the stories of those who lived, shaped, and fought these issues, London, 1984 offers a panoramic, timely, and revealing portrait of the city during a pivotal decade in its modern history. It sheds light on the roots of London and Britain, highlighting the enduring legacies that continue to shape our society today.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198862888