Simon Constantine Libri

Focusing on the persecution of the Sinti and Roma in Germany, the narrative explores the evolution of discriminatory practices during the Second Empire and Weimar Republic. It highlights the contradiction between the state's claims of individual liberty and the systemic oppression faced by 'Gypsies.' The book delves into the historical context of this discrimination, revealing how societal attitudes and legal frameworks contributed to the marginalization of these communities during a period of supposed equality.

Research on late nineteenth and early twentieth century German society has concentrated overwhelmingly on life in the cities. By contrast, and despite the fact that almost one third of Germans were still working in agriculture as late as 1914, Germany's rural society remains relatively unexplored. Although historians have begun to correct this imbalance, very few full-length studies of social relations east of the Elba in this period have been published. This book concentrates on social relations in the 1,500 estate villages (Gutsdörfer) of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz. 'Social relations' include the chains of command and obedience, the relative legal positions of owner and workers, contractual-relations, economic relations; the mutual economic dependency of estate owners and workforce, as well as the value systems of owners and labourers which informed these relationships. With its focus on both rural elites and workers, this study differs from much other work on rural Germany. For while a number of historians have examined the rural elites, few have chosen to investigate the lower strata of rural society. This book makes use of overlooked autobiographical accounts, statements given by workers at labour exchanges and before military authorities, as well as confiscated letters, jokes and anecdotes to provide greater insight into the perspective of rural workers.

Join Lush Buying’s daring duo, Agnès Gendry and Simon Constantine, on their journey into the nefarious underworld of sandalwood smuggling. This rip-roaring true tale of deceit, duplicity and decapitation stretches the globe as our pair sniff out the real nature of sandalwood … and find more than they bargained for.The graphic novel is illustrated by Plastic Crimewave (based in Chicago). The brand describe the book as “an essential read for anyone interested in the stories behind the people and ingredients that go into many Lush products“.