GRAPES OF WRATH

John Steinbeck's 1939 classic about the Joad family's trials during the Great Depression is currently showing as a play in Leeds. Join the history trip or go along yourself to bring to life one of the topics you will be doing this term.

HISTORY IN THE NEWS AGAIN

The Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the year award went yesterday to a history book. Liaquat Ahamed won the £30,000 prize for his book Lords of Finance about the Wall Street Crash; a book extremley relevant to today's economic woes. Yet more proof, if it were needed, that any issue can be made more relevant and interesting with an historical perspective.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER

November is, of course, the month of toffee, bonfires and fireworks (and Ms Cooper's birthday!) But how much do you know about Guy Fawkes? There are lots of books you could look at as well as web sites. Given the MPs expenses scandal is it about time for another Guy Fawkes. If you want to see an alternative interpretation, take a look at the movie, V for Vendetta.

WARTIME HEROISM?

A new memorial has been opened on the South Bank in London to commemorate those who fought in World War Two but not as members of the regular armies: groups such as the French Resistance and the Special Operations Executive. Though we might think of them simply as heroes, their activities were in fact much more controversial. If you are interested in this topic there is a film on at the Cornerhouse looking at the role of French immigrants, epsecially Armenians in the Resistance. Thinking further, Salford University, for example offers modules on resistance as part of its BA in Contemporary History and Politics.

NEW YORK HERE WE COME

The flights and hotels are booked. We are now just waiting for news about the visits. Keep your eye on your college email for updates and start saving your pennies. (Or pounds or dollars oreven Euros.) All money is due by December 6th.

FREE BOOKS

Since the end of September if you are a member of a local library you are able to borrow books from other libraries. You no longer have to join libraries individually. Just think of all the books you can have access to for your history homework, for your coursework and just for pleasure! As Thomas Jefferson said: "Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years." So start investing!