The Bloody Traffic, Fenner Brockway, 1933 First Edition, Inscribed by Author, Very Rare

THE BLOODY TRAFFIC.

By Fenner Brockway.

Published 1933, by Victor Gollancz Ltd, London.

Inscribed by the author on front first end paper, "To Dennis Wells from A. Fenner Brockway Aug. 31st, 1933."

The front of the dust jacket lists the authors issues, which are addressed in the book.

The author's charges:

1. Armament Firms have formed an International Ring to intensify armament rivalry in order to get larger orders.

2. They have exploited their own nations by artificially maintaining exorbitant prices through the operations of Armament Trusts.

3. Whilst claiming to be patriotic, they have supplied all countries, friendly or hostile, with armaments.

4. They have deliberately created war scares.

5. They have influenced countries to be warlike.

6. They have bribed Government Officials.

7. They have lied about the military and naval programmes of other nations.

8. They have used their influence over the Press in order to inflame public opinion.

9. They have used their influence in Banking Institutions to finance increased Armament programmes in other countries.

10. They have sent representatives to International Conferences to hinder the achievement of Disarmament.

Fenner Brockway was a British socialist politician, humanist campaigner, and anti-war activist. He was born to Rev. William George Brockway and Frances Elizabeth Abbey in Calcutta, British India. Brockway became a vegetarian and a committed pacifist, opposing the sending of troops to France during World War I. He was a founding member of the No-Conscription Fellowship and the Labour Leader, he served as the Labour MP for East Leyton from 1929 to 1931. After the war, he rejoined the Labour Party and continued to advocate for various causes, including anti-colonialism and nuclear disarmament.  Brockway appeared in Hitler's Black Book. The book contained a list of British subjects and residents who would have been subject to immediate arrest had the Nazi's successfully invaded the UK. The contents of the book was not publicly known until after the Second World War. Following the war inclusion in the book became a status symbol in the UK. Brockway was a life peer and continued to be a prominent figure in the Labour movement and the history of campaigning until his death in 1988. 

Fenner Brockway is commemorated in Red Lion Square, London, where a statue of him stands, honoring his legacy as a pacifist and anti-war activist.

CONDITION:

There are various signs of age use and wear. Please view all listing photographs for the best understanding of condition. The yellow dust jacket is discoloured, stained, spine sunned. Significant loss of the top edge with partial title missing, lots of other chips and edge tears. Despite the dust jackets well worn appearance it still sits in place comfortably, with most print details legible. The red cloth binding is shelf worn and yellowed with age, boards edges rubbed, spine sunned with the top edge darkened from dust jacket loss. Hinges/joints remain firm, no splitting. Authors ink inscription to the front first end paper. Text block age toned, yellowed throughout. Mild foxing mainly to margins. Contents binding is strong, no loose or missing pages.

Overall the book remains in good reading condition, just be careful with the delicate state of the dust jacket! A very scarce edition, we could find no other first editions available for sale, and to have the original dust jacket plus inscription by Fenner Brockway! A rarity indeed. A disconcerting assessment of the Arms Trade, and its disturbing effects on the world. Almost certainly still relevant today.

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