New Books Network

Sam Wetherell, "Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

Apr 8, 2025

Sam Wetherell, a Senior Lecturer at the University of York and author, explores the rich tapestry of Liverpool's history and its implications for Britain's future. He discusses themes of economic adversity and social solidarity, illustrating how obsolescence has shaped the city. The conversation highlights the intersection of labor and racial history, detailing the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Wetherell also dives into community resilience during public health crises and the grassroots activism following tragedies like Hillsborough, presenting Liverpool as a microcosm of broader societal challenges.

53:21

Episode guests

Sam Wetherell

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Quick takeaways

Liverpool's history illustrates the profound impact of obsolescence, revealing complexities in societal and economic struggles that resonate with contemporary Britain.

The city's experience showcases innovative grassroots initiatives led by marginalized communities, emphasizing alternative pathways to social justice and resilience in challenging times.

Deep dives

Liverpool's Historical Significance

Liverpool's history has often been overlooked in the broader narratives of modern Britain, which primarily focus on industrial development. Instead, this city’s economy has been uniquely characterized by trade, influenced heavily by Irish nationalism and older multicultural communities. The approaches taken by Liverpool's local history showcase its exceptionalism, providing insights into its distinct political and social fabric, especially when compared to other northern cities. Liverpool exemplifies how examining a city often deemed marginal can lead to a richer understanding of Britain's present socio-economic challenges, underlining its relevance in discussions about national identity.

Intro

2min

Liverpool: A Lens on British History

14min

The Intersection of Labor and Racial History in Post-War Liverpool

4min

Transformations and Struggles in Liverpool's Docks

22min

Community Resilience and Alternative Healthcare Responses in Liverpool

4min

Activism and Health in Liverpool

5min

What does the history of Liverpool tell us about the future of Britain? In Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain (Bloomsbury, 2025), Sam Wetherall, a Senior Lecturer in the History of Britain and the World at the University of York, tells the story of the city through the lens of ‘obsolesce’. This powerful framework structures a narrative that sees the story of Liverpool as both one of state ineffectiveness, indifference, and brutality, and one of solidarity and alternative forms of community and organising. The analysis is rich with details, ranging widely across the city’s rich social, cultural and economic story. Offering Liverpool as a blueprint for pessimism and optimism, the book is essential reading across the humanities, social scientists, and anyone interested in politics, culture and society today.

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