A SPECIAL KEY LIST

The following titles are brought to attention regardless of their topic because they contain either key insights on our social structure and/or our world, or they put forward bold proposals for going forward - or both. The context is growing evidence for an ecological, social and perhaps psychological 'Tsunami' at some point in this century: possibly in the next few decades.

This listing may not be an endorsement of each book as a whole: in some cases only certain chapters or even short sections contain the key insights or proposals. Short comment sections will gradually be added to assist the inquirer. In addition, their wisdom will help to illuminate the broadening dialogue in and around Devolve! For members, all are available from our library. There is no particular order of merit.

ADDITIONS SEPTEMBER 2007

THE SIXTH EXTINCTION ~ Richard Leakey and Roger Lewin - Weidenfield and Nicolson 1996                                                                                                                              (ISBN 0-297-81747-7)

Overview of the evolution of life encompassing the latest insights from Chaos Theory, the effects of periods of extinction and latest archaeological evidence challenging evolution by natural selection. Makes the case for a rich diversity of species and shows how the human induced sixth extinction is now well under way, putting that diversity under threat.

CONSUMING CULTURES: GLOBALISATION AND LOCAL LIVES ~                                                    JeremySeabrook - New Internationalist 2004 (ISBN 1-904456-08-1)

Sets out the impact of global monoculture on cultural diversity - on real cultures and peoples, both now and in a historical context. Looks at arguments for and against the global culture and also at forms of resistance.

THE ORIGIN OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE BREAKDOWN OF THE BICAMERAL MIND ~                                                    Julian Jaynes - Mariner Books 2000 edition (ISBN 0-618-05707-2)

A significant book at odds with mainstream thinking on early societies but containing insights into the Left Brain - Right Brain dichotomy that some see as part of our modern condition.

ORIGINAL KEY LIST

BEFORE PHILOSOPHY ~ Frankfort et al - Pelican 1963 (No SBN)

A study of the primitive myths, beliefs, and speculations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, out of which grew the religions and philosophies of the later world. The start of Chapter 8 charts the moment when a single God was first placed outside nature and de-sacralisation of the world became possible.

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT ~ Robert Ardrey - Collins 1970 (ISBN 0-00-211790-8)

A bold overview of human evolution with contrasts to both other animals and modern human society. Unsentimental, like nature, it challenges the liberal-humanistic assumptions and also the hypocrisy of western social norms. Argues the value of inequality and individualism within the social contract. Contrast with 'egalitarian' mass societies skips over the pluralist option of small group structure for humans. Easy to read or dip into.

POPULATION versus LIBERTY ~ Jack Parsons - Pemberton Books 1971 (SBN 301-71051-1)

Still a defining work on the almost taboo subject of population. A major enquiry into liberty and freedom in their different aspects. Thoughtful examination of many topics from personal space to building land to conflicting 'rights'. Good for selective reading.

ENERGY AND ECONOMIC MYTHS ~ Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen - Pergamon Press 1976                             (ISBN 0-08-021027-9)

A collection of essays by a brilliant and original economist. Applies the principles of thermodynamics to economics to challenge orthodox assumptions. Also challenges assumptions about the economics of the traditional village community.

THE WEB OF LIFE ~ Fritjof Capra - Harper Collins (Flamingo) 1997 (ISBN 0-00-654751-6)

A synthesis of recent developments in the post-reductionist science of matter and mind.

ECONOMIES OF SIGNS AND SPACE ~ Scott Lash & John Urry - Sage (ISBN 0-8039-8472-3)

An examination of the post-modern world which is replacing organised consumer capitalism, a world in which "the centre does not hold" and nobody is running the system. The positive undertow to this nightmare scenario is that human groups and individuals may be able to regain control of their situations - reflexivity.

THE SOCIAL PHILOSOPHERS ~ Robert Nisbet - Paladin 1976 (SBN 586-08215-8)

A broad historical and social canvas on which the crucial struggle between centralising and pluralist ideas is played out. Looks at the philosophers of each period as a mirror to the social and economic forces at work. Special relevance: Chapter 6 - The Plural Community.

ENLIGHTENMENTS WAKE ~ John Gray - Routledge 1995 (ISBN 0-415-12475-1)

A series of essays that chart the author's progress from a conservative critique of neoliberalism to a comprehensive indictment of the universalising morality of the enlightenment, and of the the whole Western inheritance of dominance over nature - in favour of a humbler pluralism where different societies develop out of their own historical conditions. Chapters 3, 6, 9, 10 recommended.

MIND THE GAP ~ Ferdinand Mount - Short Books 2004 (ISBN 1-904977-32-4)

Ex Thatcherite discovers the wrecking of the structures of 'working class' culture by intellectuals, Fabians and the middle classes in general. Goes on to radical proposals including giving (some of) the land of England back to the people!

THE CONSERVER SOCIETY ~ Ted Trainer - Zed Books 1995 (ISBN 1-85649-276-1)

One of a series of books by the author which beats a path towards sustainable development through the creation of stable local economies, and the democratised communities needed to underpin them.

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The following titles have relevance to the four tenets of Devolve! and in many cases have either influenced our thinking or complement strands in our position. The list will be reviewed from time to time.

REGIONS AND NATIONS

National Identity ~ Anthony D. Smith (ISBN 0-14-012565-5; 1991)

Explores the basis of national loyalties and conflicts, defines nationhood as distinct from statehood.

Our Three Nations ~ Plaid Cymru; Scottish National Party; Common Wealth Party (joint publication; 1956)

Combines one of the first critiques of the managerial centralised state with the case for radical decentralisation which laid the foundations for the devolution movements of today.

Federal Britain? - The Case For Regionalism ~ J.C.Banks (ISBN 0-245-50378-1; 1971)

More detailed analysis of the centralised unitary state and its tyrannies, leading to economic, demographic, and political arguments for full devolution and the dissolution of the United Kingdom.

The Mercia Manifesto ~ The Mercia Movement (ISBN 0-9529152-1-9; 1997)

Radical utopian vision of a self governing Greater Midlands, drawing legitimacy from historical Mercia.

DEMOCRACY

Power to the People ~ A Power Inquiry Report 2006 (ISBN 0-9550303-1-5)

An independent inquiry into Britain's Democracy, with radical and challenging recommendations for change.

Beyond the Ballot ~ Graham Smith - A Power Inquiry Report 2005 (ISBN 0-9550303-0-7)

Examination of 57 democratic innovations from around the World.

Direct Democracy ~ Peter Cadogan ('Direct Democracy'; 1975)

A ground-breaking essay making the case for a non-violent transition to regional republics run directly by the people, with the initiative taken by the most socially motivated sections of society.

Can Civil Wars be Avoided? ~ David Chapman (ISBN 0-948826-26-6; 1991)

Misleadingly titled investigation of various electoral systems which could be used to achieve fair representation for all groups in culturally or ethnically divided societies.

ENGLISH HISTORY AND CULTURE

Anglo-Saxon England ~ Sir Frank Stenton (ISBN 0-19-282237-3; 1990)

Still a classic work of reference in this field. Some details are now challenged by recent archeological and historical research.

Mercia ~ Sarah Zaluckyj (ISBN 1-873827-62-8; 2001)

Lucid and thorough history of the often neglected anglo-saxon kingdom of central England.

Our Englishness ~ Tony Linsell [Ed] (ISBN 1-898281-24-6; 2000)

Brilliant anthology by seven very different writers giving insights into English history, identities and modern dilemmas.

The Deculturalisation of the English People ~ John Lovejoy (ISBN 1-903313-00-7; 2000)

Having observed the weakening and destruction of indigenous cultures around the world, the author returns to England after a long absence to recognise similar processes at work in English society. After describing this deculturalisation he suggests a series of markers for reversing the decay and rebuilding a new vibrant English culture.

The Rebirth of England and English: The Vision of William Barnes ~ Father Andrew Phillips (ISBN 1-898281-17-3; 1996)

Draws attention to the inspiration for Thomas Hardy. Barnes argued for the rebuilding of English culture from its humble roots in ordinary folk, showing the importance of a simple anglo-saxon English language for this task.

A Mirror of England: of the Writings of H.J. Massingham ~ [Ed Edward Abelson] (ISBN 1-870098-17-X; 1998)

Central to Massingham's work are three related ideas: craftmanship, husbandry and regionalism. From attention to the local and particular he throws light on a dimension of English identity often neglected. A forerunner of todays ecological and green thinking, he deserves to be more widely read.

ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS

The Limits To Growth ~ Meadows et al (ISBN 0-330-24169-9; 1975 etc.)

The classic MIT report for the Club Of Rome showing that, whatever assumptions are made about available resources and pollution and birth control, endless growth must end in tears. Ignored by governments worldwide; thirty years on we are closer to the edge.>

Population Fallacies ~ Jack Parsons (ISBN 0-301-74032-1; 1977)

Sequel to his Population vs Liberty. Dares to examine in depth the effect of population on human society, and challenges a number of fallacies around the issue.

Population, Resources and the Quality of Life ~ James P Duguid (ISBN 1-904791-03-4; 2nd Ed. 2004)

"A digest of published information on, and interpretations of, the relationship between human populations and the resources and carrying capacities of their territories."

Some other books and pamphlets available from Population Policy Press (see publishers below):

Immigration Control and Individual Liberty ~ The Human Rights-Duties Equation ~ Rev T.Malthus Demi-devil, Saint, or Benefactor? ~ How sustainable is development?

A link to the Population Policy Press website is included on our Links Page.

ALTERNATIVE ECONOMICS

What Everybody really wants to know about Money ~ Frances Hutchinson (ISBN 1-897766-33-5; 1998)

An attempt to demystify money using the ideas of C.H. Douglas and Guild Socialism. The central argument calls for Social Credit to be the basis of government fiscal policy.

Interest And Inflation Free Money ~ Margrit Kennedy (ISBN 0-86571-319-7; 1995)

Examines the largely hidden and denied distorting effects of money being used as a tradeable commodity rather than simply a means of exchange. Arguing that inflation and the drive for continual economic growth are largely driven by the charging of interest, several solutions are suggested.

Money: Understanding and Creating Alternatives to Legal Tender ~ Thomas H.Greco Jr. (ISBN 1-890132-37-3; 2001)

A hands-on guide to creating and using our own local currencies or means of exchange.

To End Poverty ~ Richard Hunt (ISBN 0-9528872-07; 1997)

Observing that the primary producers of the world carry on their backs the wealth of the cities and their networks, the author argues the case for a world of small self-sufficient communities no longer exploited by the centre.

SOCIAL THEORY

Culture and Society 1780-1950 ~ Raymond Williams (Pelican; 1961)

Examines the effects of the industrial revolution on democracy, art, class, culture and industry through the views and writings of leading thinkers from Burke and Cobbett to D.H.Lawrence and George Orwell.

The Origins of English Individualism ~ Alan Macfarlane - Blackwell 1978 (ISBN 0-631-19310-3)

Traces the long roots of English Individualism as far back as factual records allow.

The Alienation of Modern Man ~ Fritz Pappenheim (SBN 85345-005-6; 1959)

Examination of our modern condition of estrangement from each other drawing on the ideas of Karl Marx and Ferdinand Tônnies.

The Pluralist Theory of The State ~ Paul Q. Hirst [Ed] (ISBN 0-415-03371-3; 1993)

A fresh look at English political pluralism of the nineteen twenties era through extracts of the writings of G.D.H.Cole, J.N. Figgis and H.J. Laski. A powerful introduction argues their relevance today.

SCIENCE & PHILOSOPHY

Beyond Good and Evil ~ Friedrich Nietzsche (ISBN 0-14-044267-7; 1986)

Nietzsche is always controversial and provocative. Here we are forced to recognise that morality is not an absolute but a value of each particular people, class or worldview.

PUBLISHERS

Some of the above come from short print-run radical publishers, or are self-published. Four of the former are:-

Anglo-Saxon Books: Frithgarth, Thetford Forest Park, Hockwold-cum-Wilton, Norfolk IP26 4NQ.

tel: 01842 828430; fax: 01842 828332; email: asbooks@englisc.demon.co.uk

Green Books: Foxhole, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EB.

tel: 01803 863260; email: john@greenbooks.co.uk

Zed Books: 7 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF.

tel: 0207 837 4014