Book Launch: Robert Chapman's 'Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism'

We warmly invite you to join us for the northern book launch for Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism by Robert Chapman. Published by Pluto Press, this is the first book to provide a political history of neurodiversity in relation to the rise of capitalism, making the case for a radical anti-capitalist politics of neurodivergence in the twenty-first century.

The event will feature a discussion about the themes of the book led by Robert Chapman, Micha Frazer-Carroll, and Louise Creechan.

Drinks and refreshments will be provided.

We encourage attendees to wear a mask to this event. Disposable masks will be available at the door.

Speaker information:

Robert Chapman (they/them) is Assistant Professor in Critical Neurodiversity Studies at Durham University, and has previously taught at Sheffield Hallam and Bristol University. They blog at Critical Neurodiversity and on the 'neurodiverse age' blog at Psychology Today, and have published academic and popular work on the theory and politics of neurodiversity, disability, and mental health.

Micha Frazer-Carroll (she/her) is the author of Mad World: The Politics of Mental Health. She writes the ‘State of the Arts’ column at the Independent and the ‘What’s On’ television newsletter at the Guardian, and has written widely on mental health, race, and disability.

Dr Louise Creechan (she/her) is a Lecturer in Literary Medical Humanities at Durham University. She is an AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinker and founder of the Neurodivergent Humanities network. She is a neurodivergent academic and works on ninteenth century literature, neurodiversity, and the history of (not) reading. She is the co-host of the academic/comedy podcast 'LOL my praxis'.

Endorsements for Empire of Normality:

'Thought provoking, challenging and compelling.'
- Professor Helen Spandler, Editor, 'Asylum: the radical mental health magazine'

'groundbreaking...To read it is to see the world more clearly.'
- Steve Silberman, author of 'NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity'

'A vital book that kindles the flames of a Marxist neurodivergent revolution.'
- Beatrice Adler-Bolton, co-author of 'Health Communism'

Accessibility:

Lift access to the second floor, disabled access bathrooms, low lighting, quiet space with comfortable seating and fidget toys. For any other accessibility needs, please email Georgia Corbett.