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100 Acts of Minor Dissent
An account of a year spent by Mark Thomas engaging in acts of provocative Dissent.
191 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2015
10 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Mark Thomas
19 books51 followersMark Clifford Thomas (born 11 April 1963) is an English comedian, presenter, political activist and reporter from south London. He first became known as a guest comic on the BBC Radio 1 comedy show The Mary Whitehouse Experience in the late 1980s. He is best known for political stunts on his show, The Mark Thomas Comedy Product on Channel 4. Thomas describes himself as a "libertarian anarchist."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 10, 2018
Just in case you're wondering, the Acts of Dissent pictured on the cover are, from left to right:
1: Smashing a papiér maché piñata of Nick Clegg with a copy of the Tory/Liberal Coalition Agreement sticking out of its paper buttocks;
2: Women racing pink Barbie remote control cars outside the Saudi Arabian embassy;
3: Taking an in-your-face photograph of a police officer every weekday for a year;
4: Sticking Margaret Thatcher's face into porn mags and putting them back on the shelves;
5: Posting heavy things to major corporations without stamps so they have to pay excess postage;
6: Playing "What's the Time, Mr Wolf?" in Hyde Park to protest the introduction of fees for playing organised sports.
Excellent book - I recommend it for a laugh and potential ideas! (Though Mark Thomas's idea of 'minor' is questionable in some cases!)
1: Smashing a papiér maché piñata of Nick Clegg with a copy of the Tory/Liberal Coalition Agreement sticking out of its paper buttocks;
2: Women racing pink Barbie remote control cars outside the Saudi Arabian embassy;
3: Taking an in-your-face photograph of a police officer every weekday for a year;
4: Sticking Margaret Thatcher's face into porn mags and putting them back on the shelves;
5: Posting heavy things to major corporations without stamps so they have to pay excess postage;
6: Playing "What's the Time, Mr Wolf?" in Hyde Park to protest the introduction of fees for playing organised sports.
Excellent book - I recommend it for a laugh and potential ideas! (Though Mark Thomas's idea of 'minor' is questionable in some cases!)
March 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book - it takes you through a range of emotions as you follow the hundred acts; from anger and concern at some of the worrying trends going on in our country, to the bouts of laughter initiated by some of the silly responses Mark Thomas has to them.
Some of the acts are minor (as the title implies) and unlikely to have world changing consequences (although you never know), but this just shows us how easy it is to get involved in small ways and poke fun at the amazingly stupid decisions that companies and governments make.
So read this book if you want to have a laugh, get a few ideas for some minor dissent yourself, or just have a tiny little jab at the establishment by buying a book that criticises it. Maybe don't buy it from Amazon though.
Some of the acts are minor (as the title implies) and unlikely to have world changing consequences (although you never know), but this just shows us how easy it is to get involved in small ways and poke fun at the amazingly stupid decisions that companies and governments make.
So read this book if you want to have a laugh, get a few ideas for some minor dissent yourself, or just have a tiny little jab at the establishment by buying a book that criticises it. Maybe don't buy it from Amazon though.
July 26, 2015
Should have been three times the length! Makes me want to go out and dissent.
May 11, 2016
I bought a copy of this for my dad. Oops. #SorryNotSorry
November 7, 2017
Another brilliant piece of work from mark Thomas, inspiring us to get involved, speak up and act out. He finds humorous but poignant ways to get his point over and stir change at local and national levels. His work reminds us that every person has a voice and we can and should use it to effect when ethics are at stake.
Some of the acts are in response to very personal/local issues to Mark, like the gentrification of his local area so locals can't afford to live locally anymore, but they still hold significance nationally - this is seen across the country as the rat race to own property creates a property bubble that seems to keep going up, up, up.
Others are about wider reaching issues. The protests outside Embassies to highlight the treatment of the respective countries' people are both hysterical but so powerful - I love the Barbie Car racing outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy is INSPIRED - and the day spent outside the Russian Embassy in Edinburgh raised laughs to highlight the mistreatment of the LGBT communities there in a peaceful but powerful way.
This book had me laughing out loud in public places reading it on my commute, with antics such as Mark's attempts to get banned from Tesco - I can't believe that wearing a Dalmatian onesie whilst trailing a skateboard with a whole salmon taped to it around a shop didn't get him thrown out! - Mark's strip tease for the Liberty Shop's Toilet CCTV camera and Pornershop antics to mention but a few!
Read this if you want to think about the power of one voice, get inspired to stand up for what you believe in and get involved in your community better. Make a difference, you have the power!
Some of the acts are in response to very personal/local issues to Mark, like the gentrification of his local area so locals can't afford to live locally anymore, but they still hold significance nationally - this is seen across the country as the rat race to own property creates a property bubble that seems to keep going up, up, up.
Others are about wider reaching issues. The protests outside Embassies to highlight the treatment of the respective countries' people are both hysterical but so powerful - I love the Barbie Car racing outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy is INSPIRED - and the day spent outside the Russian Embassy in Edinburgh raised laughs to highlight the mistreatment of the LGBT communities there in a peaceful but powerful way.
This book had me laughing out loud in public places reading it on my commute, with antics such as Mark's attempts to get banned from Tesco - I can't believe that wearing a Dalmatian onesie whilst trailing a skateboard with a whole salmon taped to it around a shop didn't get him thrown out! - Mark's strip tease for the Liberty Shop's Toilet CCTV camera and Pornershop antics to mention but a few!
Read this if you want to think about the power of one voice, get inspired to stand up for what you believe in and get involved in your community better. Make a difference, you have the power!
August 21, 2017
This book is brilliant on how to challenge and question authority when authority is being absurd. You be absurd right back, in a way that doesn't bother ordinary workers or get you into too much trouble. Nobody in this book is being violent or destroying property but they aren't keeping their mouths shut either.
A very easy read, it first points out the absurdity or wrongness then entertainingly describes how Mark and his co-conspirators carry out their minor acts of dissent. Lots of photos and broken up into small chapters (at 100 acts it has to be), I read this in a few hours but several of them stick in your mind for a long time.
Funny and inspirational at the same time, and a lot more light hearted than some of his other escapades. Great gift for teens and the more mildly subversive of us.
A very easy read, it first points out the absurdity or wrongness then entertainingly describes how Mark and his co-conspirators carry out their minor acts of dissent. Lots of photos and broken up into small chapters (at 100 acts it has to be), I read this in a few hours but several of them stick in your mind for a long time.
Funny and inspirational at the same time, and a lot more light hearted than some of his other escapades. Great gift for teens and the more mildly subversive of us.
August 19, 2015
On a day off I came downstairs to see a package on my mat. It was this book (which I ordered directly from Mark Thomas' website where it us cheaper than Amazon-and Thomas pays his taxes!). I opened it just to skim the introduction-2 hours later I finally closed it, having read it in one sitting - housework would wait until another day!
It covers a year in Thomas' life where he had to undertake 100 acts of dissent otherwise suffer the forfeit of having to donate £1000 to UKIP. This obviously focuses the mind-what follows is a range of clever and meaningful actions aimed at showing people still have a modicum of power if used properly. I'll not spoil it but this is in turn thoughtful, inspiring and very funny and well worth a read.
It covers a year in Thomas' life where he had to undertake 100 acts of dissent otherwise suffer the forfeit of having to donate £1000 to UKIP. This obviously focuses the mind-what follows is a range of clever and meaningful actions aimed at showing people still have a modicum of power if used properly. I'll not spoil it but this is in turn thoughtful, inspiring and very funny and well worth a read.
October 21, 2015
I've been a fan of Mark Thomas for years, his talent for mixing often absurd comedic antics with activism about important social and political issues has never ceased to impress or amuse. This book is a collection of 100 acts of exactly that, from Arsey Cops to BastardTrade and the infamous “Daily Mail Free Zone” stickers and many more things besides. Warning do not read this book in public unless you want people to look at you laughing.
February 5, 2016
A very quick, fun read. The author is so stereotypically British in his way of messing with the system, it's hilarious. He doesn't want to cause any trouble, so he has to find ways to protest without bothering anyone that isn't at fault. My favourite is when he tries to get banned from Tesco (he succeeds, but at what cost? Read to find out.)
I would recommend very much.
I would recommend very much.
March 11, 2016
Quite a quick and easy read, but laughed consistently all the way through. Despite the grim reasons for a lot of Thomas' protests he always reacts with an act I feel I could also get away with (if I had the confident about challenging authority, and requisite knowledge of the law). Fun to read if you want ideas for railing against the man.
December 28, 2015
We went to hear Mark Thomas's show some point during the 100 Acts so it was great to catch up on some of the other things that he did that didn't make it into the show or that he hadn't done yet. Funny and thought-provoking as usual.
October 4, 2015
A very funny book. Taking on the big boys with sarcasm, wit, tomfoolery, bravado, cleverness and guerilla tactics. Heart-warming for the modern age.
February 15, 2016
A must read, should be in every school library .....
A must read, should be in every school library and very home.
Spread the word mark thomas is coming !
A must read, should be in every school library and very home.
Spread the word mark thomas is coming !
July 25, 2017
Funny and thought-provoking. I've tried one or two of the Acts of Minor Dissent and can quite see they could be addictive...
December 9, 2025
This book is great fun. It is also beautifully presented. Mark Thomas takes on all manner of injustices in all sorts of silly, entertaining ways.
For instance, to highlight Apple’s tax dodging by filtering their enormous profits through Ireland, Mark and chums entered their London Regent Street store with Irish flags and banners and a céili fiddle band. Amidst the chaos, they set up all the computers to display a web page informing customers that they could get the same products at the exact same prices at John Lewis round the corner, where they do NOT dodge paying taxes.
Apple is only one of very many companies who are guilty of not paying their taxes. I love the incisive way in which Mark outlines this hypocrisy and injustice:
---------
Now these companies do all they can to avoid tax but they sure as hell want all the benefits that it pays for. They expect roads. They expect infrastructure. They expect public transport services to get their staff to work. They expect the emergency services if they have a fire or are robbed. They expect courts and jails to punish those who steal, assault or defraud them. They expect regulation and enforcement of the utilities they use. They expect their workers to be educated and healthy. They expect to be protected, nursed and nurtured. But they are not prepared to pay their share of the bill. Frankly we can no longer afford to support these freeloaders.
---------
For instance, to highlight Apple’s tax dodging by filtering their enormous profits through Ireland, Mark and chums entered their London Regent Street store with Irish flags and banners and a céili fiddle band. Amidst the chaos, they set up all the computers to display a web page informing customers that they could get the same products at the exact same prices at John Lewis round the corner, where they do NOT dodge paying taxes.
Apple is only one of very many companies who are guilty of not paying their taxes. I love the incisive way in which Mark outlines this hypocrisy and injustice:
---------
Now these companies do all they can to avoid tax but they sure as hell want all the benefits that it pays for. They expect roads. They expect infrastructure. They expect public transport services to get their staff to work. They expect the emergency services if they have a fire or are robbed. They expect courts and jails to punish those who steal, assault or defraud them. They expect regulation and enforcement of the utilities they use. They expect their workers to be educated and healthy. They expect to be protected, nursed and nurtured. But they are not prepared to pay their share of the bill. Frankly we can no longer afford to support these freeloaders.
---------
July 22, 2017
Not for the first time, a great book's genesis revolves around a bet. Think 'Around the World in 80 Days' and 'Round Ireland with a Fridge'.
This book is about the refusal to silently assent to the way the world is with the acts of dissent of the title. This sort of stuff is Mark Thomas's stock in trade, and I actually purchased the book at the live show built around the acts of dissent.
Some are surreal, some are silly, but the wonderful thing is how they are pulled together into an enjoyable story arc with Mark's trademark combination of righteous indignation and gleeful, childish determination not to accept things as they are.
It is always a good sign when a book makes you laugh out loud on public transport, and this book did just that.
This book is about the refusal to silently assent to the way the world is with the acts of dissent of the title. This sort of stuff is Mark Thomas's stock in trade, and I actually purchased the book at the live show built around the acts of dissent.
Some are surreal, some are silly, but the wonderful thing is how they are pulled together into an enjoyable story arc with Mark's trademark combination of righteous indignation and gleeful, childish determination not to accept things as they are.
It is always a good sign when a book makes you laugh out loud on public transport, and this book did just that.
March 14, 2021
A total joy to read, I saw him at the acorn penzance doing this show and loved it so reading the book was a blast. It was inspiring easy to add to some of the decent.
I have my I will drive them to the airport badge on the fridge & stand ready to serve (I ever learned to drive but they never earned to be human so its all equal)
Read it love it do it. Commit a minor act yourself.
I have my I will drive them to the airport badge on the fridge & stand ready to serve (I ever learned to drive but they never earned to be human so its all equal)
Read it love it do it. Commit a minor act yourself.
February 17, 2018
A fantastic, funny and moving account of 100 amazing acts of dissent. Only didn't get five stars cos I prefer reading fiction. But this is highly recommended and has lots of great suggestions for ways to stick to the tax-avoiding, disabled-abusing, immigrant-hating man.
June 4, 2017
10/10 made me want to go out and protest everything
January 2, 2018
Funny and effective. Positive action never looked so appealing
January 22, 2018
Brilliant entertainment
March 19, 2018
Hilarious, silly, ingenious and important.
August 3, 2020
Will now be sending all of my enemies roof tiles, completely free of charge!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
It's not just the acts, it's the sardonic writing - I laughed out loud several times!
September 30, 2024
Hopefully I am now a little less ignorant. I admit, most of this stuff was news to me, but loved the fun ways of highlighting the issues!!
January 6, 2025
Mark Thomas is one of our greatest comedians, activists and journalists. This book is so funny and engrossing that I’ve repeatedly bought it as a gift. I highly recommend.
February 9, 2018
Funny and heartwarming. Occasional moments of high comedy and a very nice style. Looking forward to the next 100
July 13, 2017
Joyful anarchic prankster politics.
April 21, 2016
I’ve been a fan of Mark Thomas since discovering him on his short-lived TV series. He’s a person that irks many, but who we all need, now more than ever.
That’s because Mark isn’t like the rest of us, he’s not here for a quiet life. He doesn’t hear about a change to the law or a re-zoning of an area and grumble, he actively does something about it. Mark and his friends defend public liberty, as much as anything else, as it’s slowly being stripped away from us.
Along with the press — when it’s not being an arse — people like Mark stand up for the public interest and dedicate their lives to keeping politicians and corporations honest as they try to steamroller the rest of society.
To this end, the book covers one hundred things Mark (and friends) complete over the course of a year to try and fight against some of the injustices they encounter.
They vary wildly in quality. The three regarding porn magazines are essentially one and likely to impact almost no-one. Some of the others impacted policy and improved life for a lot of people. There are plenty that are hilarious though and many that are, dare I say it, right on the money.
How many caused real change is probably up for debate, but these were only minor acts let us not forget. If nothing else they serve to raise awareness.
Mark’s inventiveness guarantees the book is funny — how can a man dressed in a Dalmatian onesie pulling a salmon strapped to a skateboard not be? — but it also serves to highlight many global, national and local issues. Ones those in power obviously hoped we’d overlook or meekly accept.
It’s heartening to see how many people get involved, but I was also impressed by how many sympathetic police officers, security staff and managers he meets. The people of this small isle are still a force to be reckoned with, no matter what walk of life they inhabit.
Will this book change the world? Unlikely. Will it change your views? Maybe. Will it highlight the need for activists like Mark and his friends? Absolutely. And it’ll do it while making you chuckle, which is no bad thing.
That’s because Mark isn’t like the rest of us, he’s not here for a quiet life. He doesn’t hear about a change to the law or a re-zoning of an area and grumble, he actively does something about it. Mark and his friends defend public liberty, as much as anything else, as it’s slowly being stripped away from us.
Along with the press — when it’s not being an arse — people like Mark stand up for the public interest and dedicate their lives to keeping politicians and corporations honest as they try to steamroller the rest of society.
To this end, the book covers one hundred things Mark (and friends) complete over the course of a year to try and fight against some of the injustices they encounter.
They vary wildly in quality. The three regarding porn magazines are essentially one and likely to impact almost no-one. Some of the others impacted policy and improved life for a lot of people. There are plenty that are hilarious though and many that are, dare I say it, right on the money.
How many caused real change is probably up for debate, but these were only minor acts let us not forget. If nothing else they serve to raise awareness.
Mark’s inventiveness guarantees the book is funny — how can a man dressed in a Dalmatian onesie pulling a salmon strapped to a skateboard not be? — but it also serves to highlight many global, national and local issues. Ones those in power obviously hoped we’d overlook or meekly accept.
It’s heartening to see how many people get involved, but I was also impressed by how many sympathetic police officers, security staff and managers he meets. The people of this small isle are still a force to be reckoned with, no matter what walk of life they inhabit.
Will this book change the world? Unlikely. Will it change your views? Maybe. Will it highlight the need for activists like Mark and his friends? Absolutely. And it’ll do it while making you chuckle, which is no bad thing.
August 8, 2016
I love Mark Thomas. His books are great. Whether its rambling in the world's most dangerous places or taking on a giant like Coca-Cola, he never fails to make the serious just that little bit absurd and funny at the same time. This book is a really fast read and a great introduction or starting point for his other stuff, if you have ever liked or seen his stuff. This is just a number of different ways he (and you) can piss off the establishment, without getting into (too much) trouble. Give it a go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews