The Broken Promise of Infrastructure

We're honoured to present "The Broken Promise of Infrastructure," a stark and unflinching exploration of Britain's infrastructure history by Dominic Davies. This narrative takes us on a journey from the early days of Rhodes’s railways to the tragedy of Grenfell, shedding light on the cultural complexities of infrastructure development across Britain and its Empire.

In "The Broken Promise of Infrastructure," Dominic Davies confronts the realities of Britain's failing infrastructure and the divisive political landscape surrounding it. From the tumultuous era of Brexit to the empty rhetoric of the 'levelling up' agenda, the book unveils the fractures within our society. Through compelling case studies ranging from Stoke-on-Trent to Silicon Valley, Davies reveals the multifaceted impacts of infrastructure projects, going beyond mere concrete and steel structures.

Against the backdrop of nationalism and regional identity, Davies brilliantly exposes the enduring influence of race, class, and gender on infrastructure development. As we grapple with broken promises and confront historical legacies, this book serves as a sobering reflection on the challenges we face. With racial capitalism and the looming threat of climate crisis, "The Broken Promise of Infrastructure" offers a call to action. It urges us to challenge prevailing narratives and reclaim the transformative potential of infrastructure for the collective good.

Join author Dominic Davies for a discussion of what - or rather who - really makes Britain work, here at the bookshop on Saturday 4th May, starting at 2pm.
Tickets available via Lemon Booking and Eventbrite.
The book is also available to buy ahead of the event here at October Books, so get your copy today.