Strangely, a few people have been frowning at us after the announcement of the Radical History Zone at this years Bristol anarchist bookfair.

They aren’t all anarchists we are told, some are even anti-anarchist; they do their own events it seems; and one plonker even wondered what history had to do with the bookfair! You just cant please some people can you?

Back in the mists of time, maybe 9 months ago, we were asked if we’d be interested in participating in a ‘radical publishers/history’ gathering that Bristol Radical History Group were considering. Seemed interesting to us. Things went a bit quiet, a general election was called, and many of us got on with doing our own things, which for us included proceeding with this years bookfair, whilst BRHG of course ran a series of events around the election. Around June the idea arose again, by which time we had Hamilton House provisionally booked, and there was a suggestion of the radical publishers/history event running simultaneously nearby (or even in the same venue…except we’d booked it all up). So heads were put together in a boozer we all tend to visit, an idea was hatched, a deal was made, and logic ensued - a Radical History Zone at this years bookfair, to include a designated stalls area, and a meeting space. BRHG have had autonomy to organise their meetings programme as they see fit, and invite stalls they think are worth having. In return they have donated towards bookfair costs, helped with publicity, and will help with set up etc.

We really dont see how anyone could have a problem with this? (more…)