If you’re passionate about revolutionary history, working-class struggles, Scottish independence, or sharp Marxist analysis of modern politics, Chris Bambery is an author you need on your shelf. For decades, he’s been one of Britain’s most consistent radical voices—former editor of Socialist Worker, co-author with Alan McCombes on the Scottish left, and a tireless campaigner against war and austerity.
Here’s your definitive, up-to-date (November 2025) reading list of every Chris Bambery book in chronological order—plus the ideal reading sequence if you’re just discovering him.
List Of Chris Bambery Books In Order by Year
Discover the complete list of Chris Bambery’s books in order by year, featuring his powerful works on history, politics, and social movements. This guide helps readers explore his writing journey, publication timeline, and must-read titles in sequence. Perfect for fans, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding Bambery’s influential contributions through a clear, chronological book list.
| # | Title | Publication Year | Co-Author(s) | Series (if applicable) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Battle of the Clyde | 1990 | None | None | An account of the workers’ struggles on the River Clyde during World War I. |
| 2 | Scotland: Class and Nation | 1999 | None | None | A Marxist analysis of Scottish nationalism and class politics. |
| 3 | A Rebel’s Guide to Gramsci | 2006 | None | Rebel’s Guides | An introduction to the ideas of Antonio Gramsci for activists. |
| 4 | The Second World War: A Marxist History | 2008 (reissued 2014) | None | Counterfire | A radical reinterpretation of WWII focusing on class struggles and imperialism. |
| 5 | Scotland: Class and Nation (co-authored edition) | 2011 | Alan McCombes | None | Updated analysis of the Scottish independence movement in the lead-up to the 2014 referendum. |
| 6 | A People’s History of Scotland | 2014 | None | None | A sweeping history of Scotland from below, highlighting working-class and radical traditions. |
| 7 | The Anti-Prorogation Revolt: How Britain Said No to Boris Johnson | 2020 | None | None | A pamphlet on the 2019 protests against the suspension of Parliament. |
| 8 | Catalonia Reborn: How Catalonia Took On Spain’s Empire and Won Back Its Independence (Almost) | 2021 | George Kerevan | None | The story of the Catalan independence movement and its clashes with the Spanish state. |
| 9 | Bonfires and Belladonna: Scotland’s Radical Rising of 1820 | 2023 | None | None | Detailed narrative of the 1820 Scottish insurrection and its revolutionary potential. |
| 10 | Palestine: The Hidden History of a Colonised People | 2024 | None | None | A counter-history challenging mainstream narratives on Palestine and Zionism. |
| 11 | Rebellion: Britain’s First General Strike and the Battle for Working-Class Power | 2025 | None | None | An examination of the 1926 General Strike and its implications for today’s labor movements. |
Chris Bambery Books in Publication Order
- The Second World War: A Marxist History (2008, reissued 2014). The book that put Bambery on the map for many readers. A blisteringly iconoclastic take on WWII that centers working-class resistance, anti-fascist partisans, and the betrayals of Stalinism and social democracy. Essential.
- Scotland: Class and Nation (2011) – co-authored with Alan McCombe. Written in the run-up to the 2014 independence referendum. Remains one of the clearest Marxist analyses of the Scottish national question ever published.
- A People’s History of Scotland (2014) is Bambery’s masterpiece. From the Wars of Independence to Red Clydeside, the Highland Clearances to Pollok Free State, this is radical history at its most vivid and accessible. If you only read one Bambery book, make it this one.
- The Anti-Prorogation Revolt: How Britain Said No to Boris Johnson (2020) A short, punchy pamphlet-length account of the mass protests against Johnson’s 2019 parliament suspension. Captures the energy of that moment perfectly.
- Catalonia Reborn: How Catalonia Took On Spain’s Empire and Won Back Its Independence (Almost) (2021) – co-authored with George Kerevan. The definitive English-language left history of the 2017 Catalan independence referendum and its aftermath. Gripping and heartbreaking in equal measure.
- Bonfires and Belladonna: Scotland’s Radical Rising of 1820 (2023) The dramatic story of the almost-forgotten 1820 insurrection—Scotland’s closest brush with full-scale revolution. Beautifully written and meticulously researched.
- Palestine: The Hidden History of a Colonised People (2024). Bambery’s most urgent and angry book. A powerful counter-narrative to Zionist mythology and Western media distortion. Already a key text in the post-October 2023 solidarity movement.
- Rebellion: Britain’s First General Strike and the Battle for Working-Class Power (2025) – forthcoming March 2025 Hot off the press next spring! This promises to be Bambery’s definitive account of the 1926 General Strike and its lessons for today’s labour movement. Pre-order now.
Recommended Reading Order for New Readers
While publication order works fine, here’s the sequence I personally recommend:
- Start with A People’s History of Scotland – it’s his most beloved and accessible work.
- Th n The Second World War: A Marxist History – shows his method on a global canvas.
- Scotland: Class and Nation (with McCombes) – deepens the Scottish story.
- Catalonia Reborn – brilliant international comparison.
- Bonfires and Belladonna – perfect shorter read.
- Palestine: The Hidden History brings everything up to the burning issues of today.
Why Chris Bambery Matters in 2025
In an era of sanitized “people’s histories” and toothless left commentary, Bambery still writes like someone who believes revolution is possible—and necessary. His books combine rigorous research with genuine passion. You’ll close every one of them angry, inspired, and considerably smarter.
Whether you’re a long-time socialist, a Scottish independence supporter, a Palestine solidarity activist, or just someone who wants history that doesn’t lie to you, Chris Bambery’s books are required reading.
Start with A People’s History of Scotland tonight. You won’t regret it.
Which Chris Bambery book is your favourite? Let me know in the comments—and share this guide with anyone who needs radical history in their life!
