EACH MONTH we will be selecting a book that we feel is a must-read, deserving a place on every Idler’s bookshelf.  The Truth of Revolution, Brother is a truly one-off book investigating the enduring relevance of punk. It is a bold exploration of punk philosophy featuring many major figures from the movement.

The Truth of Revolution, Brother by Lisa Sofianos, Robin Ryde and Charlie Waterhouse is both an immersive read and an art book. Over 288 pages, 30 in-depth interviews and analysis are mixed with striking illustration, intimate black and white photography and original art from several of the book’s interviewees.

Over 35 years after the punk explosion the authors ask “what did it all mean?” The interviews and analysis reveal the answers, offering proven strategies for alternative living more relevant now than they were in punk’s 1970s 1980s heyday.

Artistic highlights include new work by Crass’s Gee Vaucher and Penny Rimbaud, David King (designer of the Crass logo), Gaye Black (the Adverts) and Little Annie. Anti-folker Jeffrey Lewis contributes a brand new comic-strip on 80s punks in the USA.

The book has been designed and typeset by This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll, the London agency responsible for the ‘David Bowie’ Brixton Pound.

Printing has been expertly handled by Calverts Cooperative. The book features an open bind, and is printed on heavy (sustainable) stock with biodegradable vegetable inks.

The black and white photography throughout was taken during the year-long interview process that saw the authors travel around the UK, and to the US, Iceland and Germany.

Co-author Robin Ryde says:

“This is a book for people who are into punk or radical music – but also those who are just plain interested in how to live a better life. The ideas in the book – of challenging authority, disrupting ideology – of taking charge of your own situation – couldn’t come at a better time. We live in the shadow of the Global Financial Crisis and the terrible conduct of the banking industry. We see more and more people disaffected by the political process. We look at the system around us and find it riddled with holes. The philosophy of punk offers a way of doing things differently. It offers a route out of a system that persists in failing us.  And the voices heard echoing through the pages of this book won’t be with us forever. If you are fascinated by punk, philosophy, popular culture, art or how to live now, then this book will have something profound to say to you.”

To order your signed copy of this incredible book follow the link on the right.

Sharing this post on Facebook and Twitter is no support at all to its authors, illustrators and interviewees – buying the book is.