Rise Up! The Art of Protest

These days, we seem to be surrounded by protests and the news is frequently dominated by images of marches and protestors, either in this country or across the world. Many young people will already have taken part in a demonstration, many more are probably considering it. This book provides a marvellous illustrated history of protest, using the banners and posters created by different people over the decades to make their feelings and demands known. It looks at six key areas of protest, including women’s rights – starting with suffragette banners from the UK and Europe – gay rights, environmental protests, the civil rights movement and anti-racism.  The accompanying protest banners are often very beautiful, but all are powerful in their ability to make their points even hundreds of years later. It makes for an unusual history book, but more than that it demonstrates people’s ability to bring about change through democracy and the strength of joint activity. The book is supported by Amnesty International and comes with a foreword by Chris Riddell, no stranger to the power of the visual image. A book to prompt discussion and to inspire.