This lecture is part of the 2013-2014 series, Heroes & Villains: Rethinking Good and Evil in History.

In BC's rough and tumble resource economy before World War One, labour relations were marked by terrible working conditions, lengthy lockouts, imprisonment, even murder at the hands of company gun thugs. Robert Gosden was a fiery radical who advocated in response strikes, sabotage, and, he hinted darkly, assassination, from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island to San Diego. But by 1919, Gosden had become a labour spy for the RCMP, urging the police to "disappear" his former comrades during the strike wave of that year. Using songs and poetry and Gosden's own writings, Mark Leier will examine Gosden's life to explore our history and see what lessons it may hold for us today.

Snacks and beverages will be served following the lecture. This is a free event and is open to the general public.

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MARK LEIER

Born in Ladner, BC, Mark Leier has worked as, among other things, a bridge tender, busker, dishwasher, labourer, and most recently, university professor. He has won the SFU excellence in teaching award, and is the author of Bakunin: the Creative Passion, and the author or co-author of four books on BC labour history.

Rebel Life is published by New Star Books. For more information, click here.