Lord Sawyer presents his new book to Gateshead and Newcastle libraries

Teesside University Chancellor Lord Sawyer of Darlington has presented a copy of his new book to both Gateshead and Newcastle Libraries.

Lord Sawyer’s book ‘Radicalism, A Passion for Books’ brings together the details of his own private collection which celebrates the best of radical English writing.

Gateshead Cabinet Member Councillor Peter Mole received the copy at Gateshead Central Library and Councillor Hazel Stephenson accepted the book on behalf of Newcastle City Library.

Lord Sawyer’s collection covers ideas, movements and individuals that influenced socialism. These include Utopia by Sir Thomas More, first published in 1551, Robert Blatchford’s Merrie England, The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan and The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine.

His new volume is the story of his collection and Lord Sawyer explains: 'Book collecting is usually a very private affair; books slip on and off shelves and in and out of houses. Very few collectors leave a record of why they chose particular books so I decided I would leave a short story that my family and friends might enjoy.'

That story begins when Lord Sawyer describes growing up in a house without books, reading his first newspaper at 18 before being introduced to Communist Party pamphlets at 21: 'During my twenties, I became a voracious reader. What excited me was discovering that generations before, men and women, had the same or similar ideas about a better future. These were the books I could read and learn from.'

It was when he began working for the National Union of Public Employees in his late twenties that he began collecting and his collection began with the first volume of Ernest Bevan’s Biography by Alan Bullock. 'One of my clear memories was seeing and touching the books belonging to my friend, the General Secretary of NUPE, Rodney Bickerstaffe in his home in Whitley Bay and I began to dream what my own collection would be like.'

Gateshead Cabinet Member Councillor Peter Mole said: ‘I’m delighted to receive Lord Sawyer’s book on behalf of Gateshead libraries. I’m sure it will prove a popular read with our library users who share his love of books. The book shows a great passion for reading and the vital part that books and libraries play in our communities.’

Councillor Hazel Stephenson, of Newcastle City Council, said: ‘Lord Sawyer tells me he has used Newcastle and Gateshead libraries extensively during his working life as a young trade union official and his love of books has had a huge impact on his life. It is wonderful that he chosen to give something back and we are honoured to accept the gift of his book.’

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