Pioneering novel makes e-book debut

The Co-operative Revolution – a Graphic Novel

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A novel drawing on the Rochdale origins of the co-operative movement is now available in e-book formats.

The Co-operative Revolution – a Graphic Novel – brings to life the inspirational story of the birth of modern co-operatives in 1844 and, illustrates the diversity of today’s one billion-strong global movement.

Manchester-based political cartoonist Paul Fitzgerald (Polyp) was commissioned by The Co-operative to create the Graphic Novel which was published as a paperback last year to mark the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.

The Novel takes in historical events such as the 1819 Peterloo Masacre in Manchester and, ends with a glimpse of a vibrant, sustainable and optimistic future set in 2044, the bi-centenary of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.

Its launch in a Kindle edition coincides with the arrival in Rochdale of a giant open air Street Gallery of photographs - also colourfully exploring the history, scope and impact of co-operation worldwide.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative’s Head of Community and Co-operative Investment, said: “The story of the Rochdale Pioneers remains incredibly relevant today with the unprecedented challenges facing our economy, environment and society.

“In the 19th Century the Rochdale Pioneers took action for themselves. Today, we are again witnessing a resurgence in community-led regeneration as communities the world-over turn to co-operative solutions to tackle everything from feeding a growing global population to generating clean renewable energy.

“The Graphic Novel, and now the e-book edition, show how co-operative values and principles are still changing the world almost 170 years later and make this inspirational story accessible for a new generation of pioneers.”