Reflections of a Clyde-Built Man

Jimmy Reid first came to national, and international, prominence as spokesperson for workers at Upper Clyde Shipbuilders during the famous Work-in of June 1971-October 1973. By locking out the management and completing orders themselves, workers ensured that Edward Heath’s Conservative government backed down on their proposal for closing the yards, and 6,000 jobs were saved. Reid went on to become rector of Glasgow University (1971-74), serve as a Communist councillor, and stand for parliament for both the Communist and, later, Labour parties. He joined the SNP in 2004. But it was as a journalist and broadcaster, however, that he was best known, and he contributed to a wide range of newspapers, and was instrumental in setting up establish the Scottish Left Review in 2000. This reissue of his classic book, first published in 1976, displays the extraordinary range and power of his writing and public speaking.