China Miéville

If it's May it must be time for the annual Writing on the Wall Festival! And sure enough WoWFest 2017 is up and running. One hundred years after the Russian Revolution, this year's festival theme is 'Revolution' and an event at Central Library this evening brought together a panel combining three radical writers, China Miéville, Kate Evans and John Rees. 

John is a writer, broadcaster, academic - prominent in the Stop The War coalition - whose latest book 'The Leveller Revolution: Radical Political Organisation in England, 1640-1650' covers a subject I've been fascinated by since I first heard Leon Rosselson's song 'The World Turned Upside Down', many years ago, and was then prompted to read Christopher Hill's book of the same name. I'd like to dedicate the song to everyone voting in the local elections this week www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCXnol8NGbg

Kate (see Extra Photo) is a cartoonist whose books, including 'Red Rosa: The Graphic Biography of Rosa Luxemburg' are beautifully observed, entertaining and informative. As was her presentation tonight!  I'm looking forward to reading her forthcoming book on her time spent volunteering at 'The Jungle' refugee camp at Calais. www.cartoonkate.co.uk 

China (whom I first blipped 5 years ago www.blipfoto.com/entry/2033875 ) is one of my favourite writers and thinkers. His classic novel, 'The City and The City' is being filmed here in Liverpool for a TV adaptation due soon on BBC2, and the title of his latest book, 'October: the story of the Russian Revolution' speaks for itself! His love affair with language and ideas shines through his books and makes him a very compelling public speaker too.

It was great to hear all three writers talk about their work, give readings and take questions from the audience. And it was also good to have a quick chat with them all afterwards.

I don't suppose Gram Parsons was thinking of the Russian Revolution when he penned 'One Hundred Years From Now' but here's his recording of it with The Byrds! www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bTuQ_YB0nQ