Jimmy Reid: Walking with History is the long-awaited powerful posthumous autobiography of Jimmy Reid, legendary trade union leader and orator. From the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in to his world-famous “rat-race” speech, this book captures a life lived at the centre of modern political history.

Jimmy Reid was a truly great natural orator. Audiences in halls, in the open air, or through broadcasts were enthralled by him. In return, he related to them – they knew that he spoke because he had something relevant to say. He was clear, rational and confident in his arguments, never patronising his listeners with slick over-simplification or glibness. He constantly sought comprehension more than applause. He got both.

All of this is conveyed in Walking with History…and given invaluable context by Brian McGeachan.

From the Foreword by Neil Kinnock

Drawn from fourteen years of in-depth conversations with journalist and close collaborator Brian McGeachan, the book places the reader at the heart of defining moments in modern British and global history. Best known as the leader of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in of 1971–72, Reid became an international figure whose leadership helped secure the livelihoods of thousands and inspired movements far beyond the Clyde.

Renowned for his extraordinary oratory, Reid’s Rectorial Address at the University of Glasgow was hailed by The New York Times as “the greatest speech since the Gettysburg Address.” His life took him from post-depression Govan to global platforms, television debates and award-winning broadcasting, engaging with the great political forces of his age: communism, nationalism, labour politics and social justice.

With a Foreword by Neil Kinnock and contributions from figures including Tony Benn and Billy Connolly, Walking with History is both an intimate personal memoir and a vital record of modern political history—capturing the voice, intellect and moral clarity of a man who spoke not for applause, but for understanding.

more about Brian McGeachan