"Thisautobiography tells the story of a political activist over some sixtyyears. In his school days Bob Newland was a supporter of the Campaign forNuclear Disarmament. Later he was active in the Communist and Labour parties. 'A great part of this bookconcerns his solidarity with the South African liberation struggle, andclandestine missions into apartheid South Africa, a tribute to his exceptionalcourage. This involved setting off leaflet bombs, harmless but effective in spreadingthe ANC's message to the black masses; and being part of a reception partyawaiting guerrilla fighters landing from a vessel off the South African coast.'[Ronnie Kasrils, introduction} Time and again, I've seen that it's often the smallacts that keep a movement alive. A single pamphlet tucked under a door, asupportive letter sent to a prisoner, a local boycott that chips away at anoppressive regime's morale. These moments might seem insignificant inisolation, yet collectively, they can prepare the ground for massive change. It's easy to focus on the dramatic peaks of history and forget that behindevery 'overnight' success story stands a decade or more of patient, quiet work. "
