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11th October 2019

Biography of CAMRA; Guild members invited to pitch

CAMRA is inviting members of the Guild to pitch to write a biography of the organisation, to be published in 2021 to mark its 50th anniversary.

CAMRA Books managing editor Katie Button outlines the opportunity below. Responses are requested by 31st October.

“The Campaign for Real Ale will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, and we would like to commission a book to mark that milestone. This would be an authorised biography of the Campaign, outlining the social history that led to its foundation, and how CAMRA has affected and influenced the beer and pub world over the past 50 years, leading to the diverse and vibrant beer scene we have today, but also to the current state of the UK pub industry. The book would also recount key events in the Campaign’s history through interviews with key players. We don’t wish to shy away from the criticism and controversy that the Campaign has attracted over its life and welcome a critical outside perspective.

“We would like this perspective to come from someone who is not perceived as having a close association with CAMRA.  The brief is for a c.50,000 word authorised biography of CAMRA, to be researched and written in 2020, with the text due at the end of the year, ready for publication in March 2021 in time for the Campaign’s birthday celebrations. Exact outline, terms and fees to be negotiated.

“I hope that such a book would find an audience of CAMRA members, but also more widely amongst readers with an interest in the social history of beer and pubs, or an interest in politics and campaigning organisations.

“If you would be interested in the commission, or if you would like further details, please contact me by October 31st with a brief note surmising your initial thoughts and links to your portfolio.”

Katie Button

e: katie.button@camra.org.uk

t: 01727 798 451