Books celebrate the past and future of co-operation

31 May 2012

Three books detailing the past and future of the co-operative movement are being released as part of the International Year of Co-operatives.

The first, Weaver's of Dreams: Founders of the Modern Co-operative Movement, is the largest-selling book on co-operative history. It tells the story of the era when the Rochdale Pioneers opened their first co-operative store.

The book, written by US co-operator David J Thompson, has sold over 15,000 copies and a third edition is being published to mark the International Year.

Chuck Gould, Director-General of the ICA, said of the book: "Never before has the story of the early days of the co-operative movement been more timely, as the world today struggles with wrenching change."

Two new books, the Road to Co-operation and People-Centred Business, have been released especially for the IYC. The books look at problems in economic policy and explore how these can be solved through different avenues of co-operation.

Professor Martin Parker, Warwick Business School, said of the Road to Co-operation: "Gordon Pearson’s diagnosis of the problems of short term shareholder focus and management greed are spot on, and this is a book I would recommend to anyone who wants to build a collective and fairer future.”

People-Centred Business by Johnston Birchall is described as "a radical new way of seeing business organisations”. Mr Birchall spent five years as a housing association manager before dedicating 25 of his life focusing on questions concerning co-operatives. He has written many books on the subject and also advised UN agencies on co-operative responses to the global economic crisis.

People-Centred Business is now available at a special half price for the IYC from £63 to £31.50, quote code WCOOP2012a. In the USA, order at at the Macmillan store to receive the special $75 price, quoting promo code CONF2012. For Australasia the special price is AU$110.00/NZ$140.00 (download the PDF for more details).

The Road to Co-operation can be ordered from Gordon Pearson and other book stores; while Weaver's of Dreams can be ordered by contacting David Thompson through email: dthompcoop@aol.com