
Browse our bestselling books and enjoy quick, easy shopping with a smooth, hassle-free ordering experience.
Not sure if a book is right for you? Our simple and easy returns process has you covered. For details, check our Refund policy.
Enjoy fast, reliable delivery so your books reach you on time. Spend less time waiting and more time reading with the people you love.
Titles in This Set:
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire
Unspeakable: The Autobiography
Format: Paperback
Overview:
Together, Akala’s Natives and John Bercow’s Unspeakable offer a dual lens on Britain's recent past and present. Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire blends Akala’s lived experience with historical and social analysis to examine how race, class, and empire continue to shape everyday life—from policing and schooling to identity and policy. Akala writes with candor and clarity, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about stereotypes, systemic inequality, and the ways institutions can reproduce privilege. Unspeakable: The Autobiography presents a different kind of inquiry: a front-row seat to British political life through the eyes of a long-serving parliamentarian who rose to the Speakership and then faced the limits of power and reform. Read together, these two volumes illuminate how public life, private experience, and policy intersect, offering readers a timely, thought-provoking conversation about democracy, responsibility, and justice. This set speaks to curious minds across disciplines, from students to thoughtful general readers.
What This Collection Covers:
Across these two titles, readers explore themes of identity, power, and accountability. Akala’s narrative traces the social history of Britain through the lens of race and class, linking personal memory to broader debates about empire’s legacy, policing, education, and cultural representation. He integrates personal reflection with historical context to illuminate why inequality persists and how it intersects with everyday life. Bercow’s memoir offers a candid account of political life in contemporary Britain, detailing the ascent to and experiences within the Speakership, reforms attempted, and the human realities behind constitutional processes. The collection provides a bridge between cultural history and political biography, inviting readers to examine how individual stories reflect national narratives. It’s accessible for non-fiction readers while offering depth for those seeking informed, timely discourse on democracy, governance, and social change.
Book-by-Book Guide:
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire
From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child to the moment he learned his mother was white, Akala uses a personal compass to navigate the larger map of Britain’s racial and class landscape. He layers lived experience with social history, policing, education, identity, and political life to reveal how the legacies of empire still shape today’s society. The prose is lucid and urgent, inviting readers to examine denial and discomfort honestly. This book challenges readers to rethink assumptions about belonging, opportunity, and influence in modern Britain and to consider how institutions reproduce privilege across generations. It’s a persuasive invitation to engage with difficult questions and to broaden moral and civic horizons.
Unspeakable: The Autobiography
John Bercow’s memoir offers an intimate, unflinching account of a political career that spans the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He reflects on his upbringing, family influences, and the ideal of public service as he describes his ascent to the Speakership, his reforms, and the tensions with party dynamics. The narrative blends sharp observations about Parliament with personal anecdotes, policy debates, and the realities of democratic leadership. It provides a window into how ideas about equality, governance, and accountability evolve under pressure, making it essential reading for anyone curious about how modern Britain is run and why those structures matter in today’s world.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for readers seeking critical perspectives on race, class, and politics, and for fans of Akala or John Bercow. It suits students, educators, and book clubs looking for timely, discussion-worthy non-fiction. It’s a strong gift for adults and older teens who enjoy social history, memoir, and political biography, as well as for readers exploring contemporary Britain’s civic landscape. Whether used in classrooms or for personal growth, the set offers accessible entry points to complex conversations about identity, power, and democracy.
Key Benefits:
About the Author:
Akala is a multi-genre British writer, rapper, poet, and educator whose work spans history, culture, and social commentary. His book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire extends his ongoing exploration of empire’s legacies and contemporary identity, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths with nuance and empathy. John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons, offers a candid inside view of parliamentary life, leadership, and reform. His memoir reflects on the evolution of democratic norms, the responsibilities of public service, and the human dimensions of political decision-making. Together, these authors provide complementary angles on power, inclusion, and justice, rooted in personal experience and public duty. Readers will appreciate their clarity, integrity, and thoughtful engagement with difficult topics.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two-book collection delivers a compelling, well-rounded examination of modern Britain from two authoritative voices. You gain broader context for current debates on race, class, and governance, while enjoying accessible, engaging prose suited to both dedicated non-fiction readers and casual browsers. The set offers excellent value for students, teachers, gift buyers, and anyone curious about how history, policy, and personal experience intersect in shaping a nation. Owning the full collection encourages ongoing dialogue and deeper exploration of these critical themes.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
Thanks for subscribing!
This email has been registered!