Author: David Austin
publisher name: Pluto Press
ISBN: 9780745338132
Dread Poetry and Freedom by David Austin delves into the relationship between poetry and social change, focusing on the work of Linton Kwesi Johnson, a prominent political poet since the 1970s. Johnson has been at the forefront of addressing issues such as neo-fascism and police violence while advocating for socialism. Despite W.H. Auden's claim that 'poetry makes nothing happen,' Johnson views writing as a 'political act' and poetry as a 'cultural weapon.' This book explores themes of poetry, political consciousness, and social transformation through the lens of Johnson's work, examining influences from the Bible, reggae, Rastafari, surrealism, socialism, and feminism. By engaging with various intellectual traditions and the poetry of other figures, David Austin highlights the significance of art, particularly poetry, in the pursuit of genuine social change during challenging times.
