The 2015 London Anarchist Bookfair will be on Saturday 24th October from 10am to 7pm.
Central Saint Martin’s
University of the Arts London
Granary Building
1 Granary Square
London N1C 4AA
We have finally found a venue suitable for this year’s Bookfair. Central St. Martin’s is a huge building behind Kings Cross train station. It is a fantastic space for us all to display why anarchism is just such a bloody good idea. In these days of hyper capitalism an alternative is needed. That alternative can only be anarchism. Come and find out why.
If you want to book a stall or meeting or want an advert in the bookfair programme go to the bookings page.
What is anarchism?
Like all really good ideas, anarchy is pretty simple when you get down to it. Human beings are at their very best when they are living free of authority, deciding things among themselves, rather than being ordered about. That's what the word means: without government. Read on...
Anarchism and the bookfair
Bookfairs provide a space where like-minded people can come together to re-affirm old friendships, make new ones, discuss all things anarchist and anticapitalist and start planning the future revolution. They're also one of the public faces of anarchism. Anyone unfamiliar with the ideas or wanting to know more about the politics can come along, look through books, sit in or get involved in meetings, workshops and discussions or just chat to the groups and organisations having stalls there.
It is also a space where we counter the rubbish talked about anarchism by sections of the media and our opponents. Bookfairs are one small element of making anarchism a threat to the present political system.
We need people to help us publicise the event to every nook and cranny in London. If you are new to anarchism, check out the pages websites and bookfairs. There are links to anarchist and campaigning groups around the country and anarchist bookfairs throughout the world.
The venue
We will be holding the bookfair at Queen Mary’s university on the Mile End Road again. In 2013, there were a few problems with the venue, including the lift being out of action for part of the day which made it difficult for people with mobility problems getting from floor to floor.
We spent the time after the bookfair looking at other possible venues, but we couldn’t find anything that suited the event better than Queen Mary’s. Most didn’t have the space we needed for 110 stalls, 60 meetings, films and three children and youth spaces. Some did, but they were either far too expensive, or had bad connections (i.e. the Excel building runs the arms fayre as well).
So, we stuck with Queen Mary’s but we have been chatting with the venue about the lift problems in 2013 to try and stop the same problems happening again in 2014.
Access issues
If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can try and meet your needs. If you are Deaf and require BSL interpreting and/or speech-to-text provision, please give us as much notice as possible and we will do our best to organise these. To discuss any specific access needs, please contact us at access at anarchistbookfair.org.uk.
Dogs
To make the bookfair a safe environment for children and adults alike, we ask people do not bring dogs to the event, except guide dogs. Thanks.
Cameras
Please don’t take photographs – it’s not necessary and it can annoy or concern some people.
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Comments
Hide the following 35 comments
Check the dates
27.09.2015 22:24
P
are Counterfire welcome?
30.09.2015 16:46
can i come to the bookfair, and bring leaflets and publicise and ask people to join Counterfire?
Counterfire is not a party and it is not a heirarchal organisation, unlike the SWP, of which i used to be a member of.
Anarchists should get behind Jeremy Corbyn.
trot
Anarchist bookfair
01.10.2015 08:27
The anarchist scene in the UK has always been the home of sad delusional nutters and the bookfair is where the saddest of that group gather.
Yal
Re - "are Counterfire welcome"
01.10.2015 09:32
Does that answer your question ?
London Anarchist Bookfair
Location
01.10.2015 10:05
Andi
Get a job!
01.10.2015 11:11
Working Londoner
are Counterfire welcome?
04.10.2015 14:34
you should read this powerful piece:
and see through Anarchism/Autonomism.
trot
Cheers for the clarifications
04.10.2015 17:02
Oh and by the way fuck off counterfire!
Although I'm sure some of you have been to previous bookfairs as individual libertarian socialists, and will again because you know anyone anarcho-curious is always welcome
Love and Rage
P
Counterfire at the Anarchist bookfair.
05.10.2015 00:27
i thought we were on the same side!!
I strongly advise you to read and study very carefully John Molyneux, who's not in Counterfire btw, and his excellent talk on Anarchism:
a review
"…an obsession with direct action can lead to a separation between the dedicated minority and the less committed majority. The former can become cut off from the latter and develop the illusion that it is only the dramatic deeds of a tiny group of insiders that really count for anything."
this is his talk on youtube, which all Anarchists should watch and learn from, given at the SWP's Marxism festival 2012. Why are there no critical voices at the Anarchist bookfair?
I think that the Anarchist bookfair should invite John Molyneux to give a talk, or Chris Nineham from Counterfire. this is worth reading for Anarchists.
see you at the bookfair!
Trot
fuck off counterfire
05.10.2015 11:09
love peace and anarchy
anarkoist
Vanguardism for beginners
06.10.2015 18:20
You 'strongly' recommend we read this or that and we will have to be led to whatever kind of society you want. Just like the Capitalists you have no faith in ordinary working class people, just a desire to lead for your own gain.
Now if you've had enough of that shit and you would like to have your personal opinion valued as much as anyone else then get yourself along to the Anarchist Bookfair and enjoy the experience...
P
why counterfire is not vanguardist
06.10.2015 19:03
this is what i'm trying to get at. Counterfire are not the SWP, and are not Vanguardists. Anarchists can work with us, and we can work with Anarchists.
I used to be an Anarchist, but i grew up and became a marxist, joined the swp and then went with counterfire in the split.
I guess i'm trying to get Anarchists involved with the Peoples Assembly, and for them to not stay out of broad popular movements.
Anarchists have nothing to say regarding things such as the EU refurendum, and can learn from articles such as this:
which argues for a no to europe vote.
this is more important than whatever people at the Anarchist bookfair are talking about. Direct action is quite limited.
you're either with the workers or the boss. i know which side i'm on, and its time to get involved with serious politics. Counterfire is the place for disiilusioned Anarchists.
Trot
Counterfart cant even run a cafe-
06.10.2015 20:57
yadda yadda yadda. ok we'll check your newsite.
you should check out this. John Rees as Hitler
go fuck yourselves Counterfire!
patronising dick, we got all the answers.
can't even run a bloody cafe.
REES -GERMAN’S FIREBOX CAFE CLOSED AND BANKRUPT – JUST LIKE THEIR IDEAS
Oh my aching sides – they can’t even run a fucking café – the end for the TOXIC TWINS – this despite getting money from endless benefits and a desperate but failed crowd sourcing operation
Last week Firebox was locked and empty, with a bailiff’s notice pinned to the door, threatening criminal proceedings against anyone who re-enters, and what looked like £1,000’s worth of books, decorations, furniture and utensils scattered over the floor of this by-now clearly defunct enterprise.
Pdiddy
peoples assembly is not a counterfire front
08.10.2015 14:30
you've got to realise that Counterfire are hugely responsible for getting Jeremy Corbyn elected as leader of the Labour party. But now we need to put pressure on Labour with the Peoples Assembly,
I dont see the names of any Anarchist groups or organisations. Anarchists need to get with the Peoples Assembly.
also, anyone living in London needs to get out there are start campaigning for George Galloway.
Anarchists as well as others should vote for Galloway.
Trot
one response
09.10.2015 14:58
If you want my opinion (not an organiser) then I would say Counterfire members are welcome to come along, discuss ideas etc (as long as they aren't there to deliberately disrupt) but that Counterfire publicity is not welcome. Counterfire is a top-down organisation which we aren't interested in providing a platform for.
anon
Counterfire are libertarian
09.10.2015 18:05
Also, it is not a top down organisation. In fact, most Anarchist groups are top down, secretive groups that imagine they work on behalf of the workers. This is about socialism from below, at the heart of the Counterfire vision, of the IS tradition.
and also remember the best Anarchists, such as Victor Serge, joined the Bolsheviks:
All i'm asking for is that the Anarchist bookfair to make it clear what groups are not allowed, and on what grounds.
Who has made that decision, and was there a vote? if not, then the Anarchist bookfair is itself an authoritarian top down organisation, with a secret shadowy leadership directing things.
Counterfire will be at the Anarchist bookfair, but not to disrupt.
Trot
Counterfire
09.10.2015 18:19
Laurie Penny's Eye Lash
Hello Trot
09.10.2015 19:41
Anarchists understand what marxism is, many anarchists have studied the works of Marx, and moved beyond to an understanding of Proudhon and Bakunin. Moved on to an understanding of how working class people can organise themselves and do this in everyday life without any political labels being attached. We don't care about your icons, your leaders or your various little groupings.
What we care about is working class people organising and self managing themselves in whatever ways work best.
P
listen anarchist
09.10.2015 23:19
Counterfire dominate the Stop the War coalition
Counterifre were responsible for getting Jeremy Corbyn elected.
you should check out this, John Rees 'Can there be a revolution today?'
Trot
Lol
10.10.2015 08:00
And look how successful that has been in stopping wars.
Laurie Penny's Eye Lash
Hi Trot
10.10.2015 17:21
You don't have to shout at us Trot, we know.
P
Joseph Proudhon
10.10.2015 17:50
Proudhon and his children, by Gustave Courbet, 1865
"To be GOVERNED is to be watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, valued, censured, commanded, by creatures who have neither the right nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do so. To be GOVERNED is to be at every operation, at every transaction noted, registered, counted, taxed, stamped, measured, numbered, assessed, licensed, authorized, admonished, prevented, forbidden, reformed, corrected, punished. It is, under pretext of public utility, and in the name of the general interest, to be place[d] under contribution, drilled, fleeced, exploited, monopolized, extorted from, squeezed, hoaxed, robbed; then, at the slightest resistance, the first word of complaint, to be repressed, fined, vilified, harassed, hunted down, abused, clubbed, disarmed, bound, choked, imprisoned, judged, condemned, shot, deported, sacrificed, sold, betrayed; and to crown all, mocked, ridiculed, derided, outraged, dishonored. That is government; that is its justice; that is its morality."
Joseph Proudhon -
anarchist
one sided hypocritical Anarchists
11.10.2015 16:10
After all, if you are so anti state, then don't claim unemployment benefits, go to NHS hospitals and recieve free healthcare, go to state schools for a free education etc.
This is why it is of the greatest imperative for Counterfire to come to the Anarchist bookfair, and argue for defending the welfare state, not the warfare state. Anarchists should support the cuts, because it is cutting down the state. but they are forced to forget this part of their idiots ideology, and act like socialists.
Its just hypocritical to claim to be anti state and claim benefits like most Anarchists do.
The best Anarchists can see through a lot of this one sided anti state rhetoric, and see that we need to defend the NHS, education and campaign against the cuts and austerity.
you should read this and read it carefully:
Trot
an example of a joint campaign that Anarchists and Trots can work together with
11.10.2015 18:51
This is momentum,
i hope Anarchists can get involved with this, and quote from above so Anarchists can make up their own minds. This is more real than any Anarchist posturing and window smashing, quote from site above:
Jeremy Corbyn for Labour Leader has transformed into Momentum - a network of people and organisations that will continue the energy and enthusiasm of Jeremy's campaign.
What does Momentum want to do?
Organise in every town, city and village to create a mass movement for real progressive change.
Make Labour a more democratic party, with the policies and collective will to implement them in government.
Bring together individuals and groups in our communities and workplaces to campaign and organise on the issues that matter to us.
How will Momentum do this?
Organise events, rallies, meet ups and policy consultations to encourage mass mobilisation for a more democratic, equal and decent society.
Encourage those inspired by Jeremy Corbyn's campaign to get involved with the Labour Party. Assist members in making their voice heard in Labour Party debates.
Facilitate and coordinate people to build new and support existing organisations that can make concrete improvements to people's lives. Through these actions, we aim to demonstrate on a micro level how collective action and Labour values can transform our society for the better.
Who runs it?
Formed as a successor to the Corbyn campaign, Momentum is in the process of setting up governance arrangements to represent its supporters amongst the Labour Party membership as well as the wider social movement which is springing up. As it grows, Momentum will develop democratic governance structures at every level of the network.
What is the relationship to Labour and Jeremy Corbyn?
Momentum is the successor entity to the Jeremy Corbyn for Labour Leader campaign but it is independent of the Labour Party's leadership. It will work with everyone who supports Jeremy's aim of creating a more fair, equal and democratic society.
Trot
counterfire are shit
11.10.2015 23:00
Counterfire can't even run a fuckin' caff.
authoritarianism is not welcome
fuck Corbyn and Labour too, as well as Owen Jones, Russel Brand etc. fuck them
no gods, no masters!
Bakunin
We should all live in yurts and subside on hay
12.10.2015 09:39
Kindly piss off.
Off You Trot
Read Marx?
12.10.2015 12:38
this is an anarchist application of marx to contemporary working practices that deliberately disenfranchise working class people.
malatesta
Homepage:
malatesta32.wordpress.com
anarchists should read this
12.10.2015 19:44
Anarchists should read this
of course, Anarchists are against austerity, but they are inconsistent, as they are against the state, but defending it. That's why thinking Anarchists should join Counterfire.
trot
Anarchists are against this and for that...
13.10.2015 18:57
See we don't need the bosses who always want to control us and tell us what to do. It's good to be able to discuss all aspects of our existence without feeling forced in to certain narrow roles.
It's ok don't be afraid, be brave and come to the Anarchist Bookfair :-)
P
anarchists are infantile
15.10.2015 22:20
I hope that i can convince some Anarchists to grow up, stop their infantile leftism, and join Counterfire or get involved with supporting Jeremy Corbyn.
How are you going to get to Anarchism? obviously you can't without first smashing the state and setting up a dictatorship of the proleteriat, or workers democracy, in the manner of Lenin and Trotsky. Only after, can the state be dissolved, as classes are abolished.
Do not mistake Stalinism for authentic socialism from below. Tony Cliff is a must read for Anarchists.
Trot
Ah now....
16.10.2015 10:22
Rob
Counterfire student wankers
17.10.2015 22:19
Counterfire are just a bunch of student wankers playing proletarian.
love peace and Anarchy
icepick
anarchists are authoritarian, but fuck counterfire anyway.
20.10.2015 14:41
The ICC uphold the communist left, the council communists and Soviets. The ICC are internationalists and reject all forms of nationalism or socialism in one country.
Actually, there is no basis to ban Counterfire, RS21 and other IS tendency groups, as they are not parties.
But Counterfire are a bunch of wankers, so fuck them anyway.
The International Communist Current should be allowed in, however, and ICC speakers should be allowed to have meetings.
After all, the Situationist International were far closer to left communism than anarchism, which Guy Debord and others regarded as being rather crude theoretically.
and not buying into Corbyn either. Hahaha!
ultra leftist trot
Former Police Intelligence Analyst Sacked For Calling 7/7 A Monstrous Lie
22.10.2015 05:29
Tony Farrell used to be the Principal Intelligence Analyst of South Yorkshire Police … that was until he stumbled upon online research that suggests we were lied to about 7/7 and the 9/11 attacks in the US.
“Last September I was dismissed after 17 years service because of my incompatible beliefs,” Mr. Farrell told WideShut.
In July 2010 Tony began to discover alternative information about the 9/11 attacks on the internet and came to the conclusion that there must have been government complicity. Not clear on how to move forward, he shared his conclusion with a Church minister, who prompted him to take a look in to the July 7, London Bombings as well. After analysing the official government narrative alongside other independent research he concluded that the official 7/7 story was also suspicious.
Because he no longer believed the official theory of the “war on terror”, when tasked with his yearly “strategic threat assessment” by South Yorkshire police he decided to do things a little differently.
“Basically because I did not believe the official versions of the attacks of 9/11 and 7/7, I refused to be perpetuate the lies in my assignment”, part of which included the threat of home grown Islamic extremists, those deemed solely responsible for the 7/7 attacks.
Instead on July 8th, 2010, Mr. Farrell handed in his assessment, this year claiming the biggest threat to society wasn’t Islamic terrorists, but “state sponsored terrorism.”
“This stance led to my dismissal,” he explained.
Farrell was dismissed without any allegations of misconduct, rather a statement that his views were incompatible with the rest of the team.
The Director of Finance said:
“It is a very sad occasion as you have done some excellent work for South Yorkshire Police and I have never been involved in a situation like today. Your beliefs are very sincere and you may be right, but it is I’m afraid incompatible at the moment with where we are.” [1]
Mr. Farrell has appealed the dismissal and the final hearings of the Tribunal will be heard in early September 2011.
Crossposter
Counterfire will be at Anarchist bookfair,
23.10.2015 21:08
members of Counterfire will be at the Anarchist bookfair.
Trotsky was right about Kronstadt!
The best anarchists, such as Victor Serge joined the Bolsheviks, so likewise the best contemporary anarchists will join Counterfire.
Trot