David Lester with Paul Buhle and Marcus Rediker is the author and artist of Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel (Beacon Press). He illustrated the award-winning "1919: A Graphic History of the Winnipeg General Strike" (published in English, German and French editions). His poster of anti-war protester Malachi Ritscher was exhibited at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. He is guitarist in the rock duo Mecca Normal, cited as an influence on the founders of the… Show more David Lester with Paul Buhle and Marcus Rediker is the author and artist of Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel (Beacon Press). He illustrated the award-winning "1919: A Graphic History of the Winnipeg General Strike" (published in English, German and French editions). His poster of anti-war protester Malachi Ritscher was exhibited at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. He is guitarist in the rock duo Mecca Normal, cited as an influence on the founders of the feminist social movement Riot Grrrl. He lives in Vancouver, Canada. Show less

BC BookWorld is a newspaper about books. We've been around since 1987. We aspire to middle-brow usefulness. Four times per year, we produce Canada's largest-circulation independent publication about literature. Our newspaper is available via more than 900 non-virtual distributors, or by subscription. We believe people can make up their own minds as to what they ought to read -- so we provide lively, up-to-date, unbiased news.

Formed by Jean Smith and David Lester in 1984, Mecca Normal is a two-piece indie rock band from Vancouver, Canada. Smith writes lyrics and sings in a style that is often confrontational and laced with feminist themes; Lester's melodic yet dissonant guitar swirls and loops around her vocals. Merging the personal with the political in their songs and art-related activism, they helped define the sound and spirit of the early diy/ indie rock/riot grrrl movement alongside bands such as Beat… Show more Formed by Jean Smith and David Lester in 1984, Mecca Normal is a two-piece indie rock band from Vancouver, Canada. Smith writes lyrics and sings in a style that is often confrontational and laced with feminist themes; Lester's melodic yet dissonant guitar swirls and loops around her vocals. Merging the personal with the political in their songs and art-related activism, they helped define the sound and spirit of the early diy/ indie rock/riot grrrl movement alongside bands such as Beat Happening and Bikini Kill.In 1985 they formed their own record label Smarten Up! to release their debut album. Since then, Mecca Normal are perhaps the only band to have full-length releases on three of the largest indie labels of the 90s, with albums on K Records, Kill Rock Stars, Matador Records, and Smarten Up! and a 7" single released by Sub Pop. Smarten Up! later merged with Lester's small press publishing company Get To The Point to form the label Smarten Up! & Get To The Point on which they released an album in 2003.Much of Mecca Normal's most recent album The Observer (Kill Rock Stars, 2006) is inspired by Smith's experiences using online dating websites.Smith is a novelist and painter, and Lester is a graphic designer and painter whose work includes "Inspired Agitators" - a series of posters profiling specific left-wing activists.Smith also formed 2 Foot Flame with New Zealanders Peter Jefferies and Michael Morley. 2 Foot Flame released two LPs on Matador Records, 1995's self-titled LP, and 1997's Ultra Drowning. Smith has also performed and recorded as a solo artist. Show less

The Listener reveals one of the world’s most tragic acts of spin doctoring while weaving a compelling tale of complacency, art, power, and murder. It is a startling little-known story that changed the course of history.1933: In a small German state, the last democratic election is about to take place before a failed artist named Hitler seizes power. The election is Hitler’s chance to manipulate events that will lead to the death of millions.2010: After a man dies during a… Show more The Listener reveals one of the world’s most tragic acts of spin doctoring while weaving a compelling tale of complacency, art, power, and murder. It is a startling little-known story that changed the course of history.1933: In a small German state, the last democratic election is about to take place before a failed artist named Hitler seizes power. The election is Hitler’s chance to manipulate events that will lead to the death of millions.2010: After a man dies during a political act inspired by a work of art, the artist flees to Europe to escape her guilt. Through a chance meeting she discovers the truth of the 1933 election. The past becomes pivotal as she decides her future.Graphic Novel/Historical Fiction/Arts & Politics312 pages, $19.95 CDN, ISBN: 9781894037488http://davidlesterartmusicdesign.wordpress.com/ Show less