NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL UNCOVERS RADICAL ROOTS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT The history and principles of the co-operative movement, which began in Rochdale in 1844, have been turned into a stunning 80 page graphic novel to shine a new light on the origins of the co-operative movement and celebrate “the most successful grassroots campaign the world has ever known”.
i
t is well known that 28 weavers and artisans got together and established a co-operative shop on toad Lane, rochdale in 1844 – and this went on to kick-start the global co-operative movement.
What is less well known is the links between the Rochdale Pioneers and the radical politics of the day – their aim was so much more than the provision of unadulterated, affordable food. Friends and family had fallen at the nearby Peterloo massacre and they were determined that the failing campaign of ‘votes for all’ would not be for nought. In addition to the new historical context, the novel tells of the incredible diversity of the 1.4million cooperatives that now operate across the world (from snake catchers in India to the supporter-owned FC Barcelona). It also explains how scientific thinking has evolved in recent years to recognise that cooperation is a major driving force in nature – equalling the power of selfish genes. Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals and Sustainability at The Co-operative, said: “The story of the Rochdale Pioneers is incredibly relevant to the challenges the world faces today. Back in the nineteenth century, the political establishment would not tackle the ills of democracy or poverty, and so the Pioneers and thousands of communities took action themselves. Today, the world over, new revolutionaries are tackling everything from feeding a growing population to generating clean renewable energy.” Author Paul Fitzgerald said: “As a social justice campaigner, and an active member of the Cooperative movement, bringing this story and its characters to life again was an intense and often moving experience - we hope the end result will resonate deeply with everyone who craves a sense of hope and optimism in these challenging times.” The novel has been commissioned to mark the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, 2012 and is available in paperback and e-book formats. More information about the novel can be found at www.co-operative.coop/graphic-novel.
We have two copies of the novel to give away. to be in with a chance of winning a copy just enter our competition on page 75. www.rochdalestyle.com
15