If you’re anything like us here at Earth Island Books the title of noted punk rock author and scene scholar Ian Glasper’s new book, 'A Country Fit For Heroes', will probably make you think about what the word 'hero' means, and how we, and society, use it and apply it to those we think worthy of the honour.
In Ian’s forthcoming book, he uses it to describe the unsung heroes of the eighties UK punk scene, bands that you’ve probably never heard who did the groundwork and paved the way, without ceremony or expectation, for the modern scene. But what about the man who tracked them down, spoke to them, and captured their stories for posterity?
As well as being a punk stalwart and long-standing veteran, and champion, of alternative culture and animal and human rights organisations, Ian is one of those all too rare human beings who puts his money where his mouth is and doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk.
Rather than using the royalties he earns from his books to buy rare punk records, bass strings, and knee braces, all essential tools in the aging punk rockers' arsenal, Ian donates the money he makes from slinging words about music to charities like UNICEF, Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Appeal and Charlies Place Animal Sanctuary, proving that not all heroes wear capes. Ian’s probably the last person who would ever want to bear the mantle that he so willingly bestows on others, it isn’t who he is, even though he’s a walking, talking embodiment of the virtues and principles that lie at the heart of the punk scene. But this part of his story, his willingness to help change the world for the better, needed to be told, just like the stories of the bands in ‘A Country Fit For Heroes’ did. The next time you see him, shake his hand and buy his books so he can carry on his not-so-secret-anymore mission to make the world a better place for everyone and remember, not all heroes wear capes.
And, even though he’ll hate us for telling you this, as he believes that doing the right thing is all the reward that he needs, this is what the latest charities said when he handed over his last royalty cheque to them…
“Thank you so much for choosing to give a single gift of £400 to UNICEF. You're making a huge difference to children around the world. You're part of something amazing and by donating to UNICEF you're changing the world one child at a time.” UNICEF
“It is because of people like you that we can provide life-saving treatment and second chances to pets who are desperately in need.
We have been changing the lives of sick, injured, and homeless pets since 1897. Pets are at the heart of everything we do and every month we continue to help thousands more. Thanks to your support, we’ll find loving new families for homeless pets, provide life-saving veterinary care, and offer expert behavioural help to pets and the people who love them.
We know that every pet deserves loving care and a happy home, and we are so grateful to have supporters like you, who know this too.” Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Appeal
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