Owen Hatherley and Ash Sarkar: 'Red Metropolis: Socialism and the Government of London'

London, the Capital of world capitalism, a centre of global finance and a place of immense wealth and privilege, has an often unacknowledged red underbelly, stretching from Herbert Morrison in the 1930s to Sadiq Khan in the 2020s. In Red Metropolis (Repeater), Tribune culture editor and historian Owen Hatherley looks back at that tradition, and argues that a socialist, democratic, pluralist city could become a beacon of hope for the whole country and beyond.

Hatherley is in conversation with Novara Media’s senior editor Ash Sarkar.

ABOUT THE LONDON REVIEW BOOKSHOP

Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, just a Rosetta Stone’s throw from the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop has established itself as an essential part of the capital’s cultural life. Opened in 2003 by the London Review of Books, it’s a place for people who love books to meet, talk, drink excellent tea and coffee, consume delicious cake, and of course, browse.

Our selection of more than 20,000 titles ranges from the classics of world literature to the cutting edge of contemporary fiction and poetry, not forgetting a copious display of history, politics, philosophy, cookery, essays and children’s books. And our lovely shop, designed by Amanda Culpin of utility provides the perfect setting in which to explore them all.

THE CAKE SHOP

Surrounded by books and fragrant with tea, the London Review Cake Shop is the modern answer to London’s long-lost literary coffee-houses. Accessed through the Bookshop via a corridor in the history section, the Cake Shop offers a small but vibrant menu, a wide selection of fine teas and a superior espresso. Above all, it provides a haven for reading and reflection.

The London Review Bookshop and Cake Shop are open Monday- Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. The Bookshop is also open on Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

14 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL. Tel. [phone]

[geovanniali]

I know I'm making a YouTube comment and it's never going to receive you, but you give me hope and for this I say. I gave her gifts of the mind.. I gave her the secret sign.. And word and tint without stint I gave her poems to say. Raglin Road luke Kelly.. You're supporters love and need you

[joelcoool]

Hey i don't think birmingham's transport is TOO shameful, we don't have much of a metro, but our bus system is pretty big! problem is all the developments have been very commuter and business-class focused, and as you said it is a nightmare traveling between the black country and birmingham. the black country's transport is severely shameful though. massive spans of dense housing with such minimal transport should be criminal.

[jamoja]

Ash is a Brilliant interviewer! Loved listening to this

[simsfish]

Socialism and democracy is an oxymoron. Think Venezuela and the UK, to which country do people seek refuge.