Description
Book SynopsisWelcome to Constitution Street. In this updated edition, Jemma Neville explores what real life stories from neighbours on one street in Leith reveal about our recent constitutional crisis in an age of anxiety pre- and post-COVID 19. Part memoir, part social history, part exploration of a new constitution for the day we live in, Neville's debut encourages a reclamation of human rights practice as something that belongs to each of us, too important to be left solely to politicians and lawyers. Jemma gets to know the people and stories that have lived on her street for decades, showcasing real life accounts of perseverance, courage and vulnerability, and that extraordinary stories are waiting behind every door. Constitution Street takes an essential view on the global issue of human rights through the lens of one street and its inhabitants.
Trade Review"Both personal and political, insightful but never judgemental and, above all, compassionate. An essential read for anyone who wants to move forward, with hope." - Helen Sedgwick (The Growing Season); "A love letter to Scotland - its past, present and future - and an exhilarating portrait of the power of community in a time of change. Transformative and inspirational." - Gavin Francis (Shapeshifters); "This is a beguiling and important book that will leave you haunted by the Constitution Street of the past and present. It opens an important conversation about our communities and country." - Sara Sheridan (Where Are The Women?)
Table of ContentsWelcome Founding Provisions Setting Out on a Constitutional The Lay of the Land An Inventory A Bill of Rights The Right to Life: Comin Thro' the Grain The Right to Education: The Girl Next Door The Right to Housing: Our House on Our Street The Right to Food: Companionship The Right to Health: Closing Time The Right to Freedom of Religious Belief: A Shout in the Street The Right to Work: Flitting from Port to Port The Right to Freedom of Expression: The Making of Us The Right to Private and Family Life: Hand-Me-Downs The Right to Justice: Street Haunting The Right to the Environment: Grassroots Change The Right to Self-Determination: Taking to the Streets Amendments At a Crossroads Epilogue
