BookWyrm

Louis Allaway wants to read Road to Nowhere by Paris Marx

Paris Marx: Road to Nowhere (Hardcover, 2022, Verso)

Road to Nowhere by Paris Marx

Road to Nowhere exposes the problems with Silicon Valley’s visions of the future and argues that we cannot allow ourselves …

Louis Allaway wants to read British Rail by Christian Wolmar

Christian Wolmar: British Rail (Hardcover, 2021, Penguin Books)

British Rail by Christian Wolmar

The authoritative and fascinating history of the rise and fall of the state-owned British Rail.

You think you know British …

Louis Allaway commented on Utopia for realists by Rutger Bregman

Rutger Bregman: Utopia for realists (2017)

"A noted Dutch journalist and economist proposes an outline for a new worldwide Utopia, with …

It's a little bit 'theory for liberals' in its wording and delivery, but to be honest I enjoy it. Yes it goes on about how capitalism has delivered development (Marx would agree), and yes it seems to uncritically look at capitalism not needing to be curtailed past UBI (as for now in the book), but honestly it's all very good stuff. I would like to see more written on access to cultural capital etc, but perhaps I am mistaken and it is all literally people needing more money.

Very readable, very good format (especially as it is a translation from Dutch to English) and very interesting read thus far.

Louis Allaway reviewed Stolen by Grace Blakeley

Grace Blakeley: Stolen (Paperback, 2019, Repeater Books)

For decades, it has been easier to imagine the end of the world than the …

Easy to understand

4 stars

I think it gives an easy to understand overview of economics. Particular focus on the UK and the history of how financialisation came about in the UK (through Thatcher, Blair etc).

Grace Blakley is a good author and this is a very readable book, I recommend.

Louis Allaway reviewed Municipal Dreams by John Boughton

John Boughton: Municipal Dreams (Hardcover, 2018, Verso)

Urgent, timely and compelling, Municipal Dreams brilliantly brings the national story of housing to life. …

Review of Municipal Dreams

4 stars

Very good and interesting history of council housing in the UK, how it has changed over the year and declined throughout the late 70s to the modern era.

I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.

Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) in a largely analytical way making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.

I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly …

Very good and interesting history of council housing in the UK, how it has changed over the year and declined throughout the late 70s to the modern era.

I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.

Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) in a largely analytical way making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.

I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly it’s a non issue and a merely personal wish.