Acknowledgements
This book’s origins begin with my doctoral work at York University. I was incredibly fortunate to write my dissertation in the Graduate Program in Social and Political Thought, in an environment defined by political commitment and intellectual generosity. While it is difficult to ascertain a specific genesis for long-form projects, many of the ideas expressed in this book spring from discussions with the sincere and imaginative thinkers I have had the fortune to meet. Many of the conversations developed herein were born after graduate seminars had officially ended and yet continued in the welcoming homes of scholars such as Himani Bannerji and Aijaz Ahmad. I am immensely appreciative for the kindness, patience, and rigor that they both showed in the earliest stages of this project, and for both steering me away from a much more conventionally academic project. Likewise, this project is unthinkable without the guidance, reassurance, and downright decency of David McNally. It is hard to imagine a scholar-activist more perceptive and considerate, and he remains an outstanding mentor in influence and action. I am also heavily indebted to the support, questions, and comments of Ian Balfour, Scott Forsyth, Susan Ingram, Esther Leslie, and of course David again, that have helped shape this document.
I have benefitted from sustained access to Brecht’s Archives in Berlin. Numerous research stays there were made possible through generous financial support provided by the Canadian Centre for German and European Studies, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdient (DAAD), Freie Universität Berlin, York University, and through research grants cumulatively won over decades through the collective efforts of union activists at CUPE 3903. Raj Virk and Sheila Wilmot were cheerful guides in accessing those later funds. While in Berlin I was assisted by the incredibly supportive staff at the Bertolt-Brecht-Archiv and the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. Thanks to Sebastian Budgen for his easy early communications about the project, and to the detailed editing work provided first by Greg Sharzer and then Danny Hayward. Their careful assistance between these sentences has been of immense value.
While they have helped me on other projects before, during, and after this text’s production, Professors Baus, Bell, McKenzie, and Sufrin have provided opportunities, soft shoulders and unflinching support. For this and many reasons besides I owe them a debt of significant gratitude. Likewise, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work with so many brilliant graduate students through York’s Writing Centre. Listening, reading, discussing, and developing new ideas with a wave of critically minded scholars has kept me humbled and hopeful. Their energy and boldness of thought has meant the world to me and helped me grow in innumerable ways.
Special thanks to the friends who have helped sustain, nourish, and, let’s be honest, put up with me. They include Greg Sharzer, Emily van der Meulen, Rob Heynen, Todd Gordon, Jackie Esmonde, Susan Bender, Seth Clarke, Steve Tufts, and the late but still powerfully resonant Mary-Jo Nadeau. A big shout-out to all my fellow picketers on the Glendon line. Your solidarity over the course of several strikes kept me motivated and my confidence boosted. My sisters Kim and Tracey have offered regular reminders of the goodheartedness of our mother, Alice, who passed during this text’s earliest stages. My partner Nadra’s parents Susan and Qadeer have been wonderful entries to my life, and their tenacity and willingness to help whenever and wherever they can has served as a great model. Her family have been as welcoming as can be hoped for. Nadra’s two children, Razia and Ruby, keep me youngish and laughing, even if they prefer to do so by reveling in every new grey hair that appears.
Finally, to Nadra, her third reference here and most definitely my charm. Her love, compassion, and energy have aided me immeasurably throughout this project. She has kept me grounded and offered encouragement, lightness when it was needed, and humour always. This is dedicated to her.