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The Many Not the Few: An Illustrated History of Britain Shaped by the People
An old union rep, Joe, and his granddaughter, Arushi, spend a few pleasant days together going over the history of the labour movement. Over tea and sandwiches in his studio they consider the whole wide sweep and points of connection throughout history.
Starting way back with the 14th-century Peasants' Revolt, taking in the Levellers and the Luddites, the expansion of the unions in the 19th century, the height of their power in the 70s, and the great conflicts and decline of the 80s.
With a mix of serious research and family jokes Joe and Arushi go into the complicated history, the ideological battles, the class conflict, a consideration of what unions are for, and what the future of unions may be.
Starting way back with the 14th-century Peasants' Revolt, taking in the Levellers and the Luddites, the expansion of the unions in the 19th century, the height of their power in the 70s, and the great conflicts and decline of the 80s.
With a mix of serious research and family jokes Joe and Arushi go into the complicated history, the ideological battles, the class conflict, a consideration of what unions are for, and what the future of unions may be.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2019
About the author
Sean Michael Wilson
77 books86 followersSean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award).
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.
He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 30, 2022
Whereas I appreciate the spirit behind this book, the execution is less than convincing. The book looks at different periods in British history, from the perspective of organizing workers, from the peasant revolts, to the suffragette movement, to the 1980s miners strikes. It feels more of a laundry list than anything else, with little or no story. The book is framed as the history of union action in the UK, as discussed by a grandfather to his granddaughter. But with no story or background on either, one wonders why we spend so much time with them, rather than exploring history.
At times its trying to hard to push a certain worldview rather than letting itself be. For example, when the Grandfather tells the granddaughter that she'll always be his little girl, she responds by telling him he is sexist. The desire to use contemporary language and -dare I say it - woke language is out of place. It stands in contrast to the book's anti-EU arguments, which make it feel as if it is straddling different time periods, trying to force the political views of the past onto the debates of the moment.
At times its trying to hard to push a certain worldview rather than letting itself be. For example, when the Grandfather tells the granddaughter that she'll always be his little girl, she responds by telling him he is sexist. The desire to use contemporary language and -dare I say it - woke language is out of place. It stands in contrast to the book's anti-EU arguments, which make it feel as if it is straddling different time periods, trying to force the political views of the past onto the debates of the moment.
December 22, 2020
I particularly liked the grand daughter's interjections. What comes out of the text is the failure of workers' movements to organise effectively, retain discipline and focus on employees' rights and conditions of work without spiralling off into class warfare. All too often resulting in original aims being denied as factionalism divides the leaders leaving the workforce exposed, weakened and ultimately powerless.
February 24, 2020
A very top level wiz through the history of labour movements in the UK from the 14th century. Maybe not for the seasoned historian but a great intro or gift for someone getting into politics. Great rallying call to join a union too! If you’re reading this review - please look into joining one!
January 22, 2021
I enjoyed the earlier parts of this a lot more than the later ones but I suspect that's inevitable. I really liked the way the stories were set out and connected together it's just that I think the last couple of chapters are too recent to really talk about in the same way.
February 8, 2021
Could have covered jayaben desai and was slightly patronising and underdeveloped at some points but I really appreciated learning this kind of history
October 5, 2022
A disappointing graphic novel. The central characters relating the history are unconvincing in their dialogue and the historical events themselves are less deeply explored than I'd like.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews