Poor Boy's Tale - an autobiography by Alan Woodward

Autobiography of this working class revolutionary and radical historian covering the years 1939-1997. The book also charts Alan's progression from Leninism to libertarian socialism. Published by Gorter Press in 2012.

Author

Alan Woodward

Libcom note: Alan Woodward sadly died in 2012 shortly after this book was published. There is an obituary by Dave Morris at the Radical History Network blog here. His papers are held at Bishopsgate Institute in London.

Photo list
Introduction, dates and reading guidance

Part 1 - 1939 to 1979, a chronology

Chapter One: Early life, family, schools, etc 1939-57
Chapter Two: introduction to politics, time in South Paddington and lslington, Young Socialists, ISG, marriage, 1957-1964
Chapter Three: into Tottenham, International Socialists Organisation, early activities , people in the group, 1964-1973
Chapter Four: Jobs and work in East London and Tottenham 1961-1973
Chapter Five: Industrial perspectives locally and nationally, 1962-1973
Chapter Six: moving to Coventry etc R&F org, role of CP , RTW campaign & unemployed, 1974-1979

Part 2 Themes 1978-1997

Chapter Seven: internationalism, anti-racism, attitudes to national liberation 1961-1995
Chapter Eight: Trade Union Studies in colleges, universities, workplaces and unions 1975-1998
Chapter Nine: Fight for the Living, health, safety and welfare at work, Courses and union provision 1975-1997
Chapter Ten: Miners and other strikes, a look at the emergence of workers councils and the political ideas 1965-1998
Chapter Eleven: Reading, writing, etc, a survey of manuscripts and texts and books, 1954-1998
Chapter Twelve: personal, events, family, lifestyle 1960 to 1990s
Chapter Thirteen: from leninism to libertarianism; A first look at socialist libertarianism 1960-1998
Appendix: Gazetteer of workers councils
Reading list, books mentioned, recommended
Index
Photos pages