Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey collaborated to help achieve the biggest electoral success for socialism in recent British history. The two men share a passionate belief in a fairer, more equal Britain, encapsulated in Labour's election slogan "For the many, not the few."

That slogan, inspired by Shelley's famous poem The Masque of Anarchy, points to something else the two have in common: a lifelong enthusiasm for poetry. In this sparkling anthology they discuss the poems that have moved and enlightened them. Their choices travel over centuries and continents, with poets ranging from Shakespeare and Juana de la Cruz, through William Blake and Emily Dickinson, to Bertolt Brecht, Stevie Smith and Linton Kwesi Johnson.

Rounding out the collection are appreciations of poems selected by guest contributors Melissa Benn, Rob Delaney, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ken Loach, Morag Livingstone, Francesca Martinez, Karie Murphy, Maxine Peake, Michael Rosen, Alexei Sayle and Gary Younge.

With the burgeoning popularity of poetry, especially among Gen Z, this joyful celebration of the power of verse is bound to delight and inspire across a wide audience.

All royalties from sales of this book will be donated to the Peace and Justice Project.

• Launch event at major London retail outlet featuring the authors and contributors.
• Filmed event to be held at Park Theatre in Islington.
• Further events across the UK, including at the Durham Miners Gala. Author appearances in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol
• Author appearance on BBC Radio 4 Poetry Please.
• Serialization in The Guardian, second serial in Morning Star.
• Likely extensive diary coverage of announcement of book.
• Widespread review coverage anticipated across major media.
• Full use of author's social media. Jeremy Corbyn has 2.5 million Twitter, 1.6 million Facebook, and 500k Instagram followers.
• Website featuring poetry from the book and inviting public to submit poems will be launched.

About the Author

Jeremy Corbyn is the Member of Parliament for Islington North and was Leader of the Labour Party between 2015 and 2019.

Len McCluskey was, until last year, the General Secretary of Britain's largest trade union, UNITE. He is the author of the recently published memoir Always Red.

Reviews

An excellent collection of wonderful poetry from wonderful people encouraging the working classes to embrace and enjoy culture. Poetry and music for the many!
-Robin Campbell, musician with UB40

A beautiful collection of poetry which shows how inspirational and transformative the power of words can be.
-Brian Reade, journalist and author

Since ancient times, poetry has often been the music of the people, in verse, in song and in protest. Play on with Poetry for the Many.
-Remi Kapo, author of A Savage Culture and Reap the Forgotten Harvest

Book Information
ISBN 9781682194331
Author Jeremy Corbyn
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint OR Books
Publisher OR Books