Oi! REF!
Over at the TLS (enjoy Mr. Murdoch’s free content while you can), Stefan Collini lays into the successor to the RAE, the REF. His ire is mainly reserved for the new assessment category of ‘Impact’ which, under the terms of the consultation document, would amount to 25% of each unit of assessment’s score. The article has elicited a predictable chorus of approval from arts and humanities academics. I can’t help agreeing, though, with my former Liverpool colleague

Radical History News Round-up
Readers of this blog may have noticed the changed strap-line. I’ve pilfered this quote from Natalie Bennett’s very kind review of my book. I particularly like the potential flexibility of this description. One commenter on the site is unconvinced, suggesting that I am ‘too much the ivory-tower academic’ who ’somewhat fears’ the ‘radical masses’. Quite right. I spend my days barricaded inside my Roehampton office, comforting myself by reading yellowing back-issues of the LRB and TLS while, outside

Republic Talks Ted Vallance – 2 December
I’ll be giving at talk on my A Radical History of Britain as part of Republic’s regular series of public lectures. Venue: Upstairs at the Plough, Museum Street London, Start time: 7pm Further details here including how to RSVP (talks are free but space is limited).

New Statesman review of Steve Pincus’ 1688:the First Modern Revolution
My review – over here.

Lilburne day 24th Oct
Programme for the above at Birkbeck, University of London (saving the best til last): 24 October 2009 2-2.30 Life Jason Peacey (UCL): ‘To repair to Westminster: public politics and the trial of John Lilburne’ 2.45-3.45 Thought Phil Baker Rachel Foxley (Reading): ‘How to criticize John Lilburn