HOW NOT TO SAVE THE WORLD: Anthea Lawson in conversation

We are thrilled to welcome Anthea Lawson to Blackwell's to discuss How Not to Save the World: Doing Good Without Annoying Everyone, a look at activism and ways to work together, without alienating the people we need to convince. Hailed as 'a wise, rich and crucial book' by George Monbiot, Anthea will be in conversation with Martha Awojobi.

Doors: 6.30pm, Starts: 6.45pm

Tickets are £4 or admission is free when purchasing a Book & Ticket option, or picking up a copy in store ahead of the event.

About the book:

Do you want to change the world but wonder if there's any point trying?

Are you unsure what you can offer, or don't feel that you fit the activist mould?

Do you think activists can be self-righteous, even oblivious to the very people they're trying to help?

How Not To Save the World is a book about doing good, for anyone who has looked at politics or public discourse and thought, 'we need better than this.' The fervour that drives us to change the world can create blind spots, where we don't see our own behaviour, or disregard it because the cause is urgent.

Realistic, candid and hopeful, How Not To Save the World is a sympathetic exploration of alternatives to righteousness, purity traps and other unhelpful habits. It shows that there are ways to work together for what matters, without alienating the people we need to convince.

About the author:

Anthea Lawson has been an activist for over three decades, including fighting for controls on the arms trade and putting an end to financial secrecy offered by tax havens. She helped launch a campaign for transparency over company ownership which resulted in changes to the law in dozens of countries. After training as a journalist at The Times, she worked for campaign groups including Global Witness and Amnesty International. She is the author of The Entangled Activist (2021) and How Not To Save The World.

If you cannot make the event but would like a dedicated copy of the book, please email [email protected] or call us on 0161 274 3331.

Our event format is usually a 45 minute discussion between the author and interviewer, followed by a chance for audience members to ask questions. There will be the opportunity to get your book signed/dedicated after the event. Events are a brilliant opportunity to discover new books, meet authors and likeminded readers and learn something new.

Support your local bookshop and help us keep the Manchester literary scene vibrant and exciting. You can follow us on Eventbrite and social media (@BlackwellsMCR) to keep up to date on upcoming events.

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