Product Description

From coffee farming in Peru and cocoa production in Ghana to jeans manufacture in China and the Banana War of Guatemala and the Caribbean, this guide tells the human story behind the products we consume. Examining the contest between 'free' and 'fair' trade around the world, David Ransom argues that the key question is not whether trade should be regulated or deregulated, but whether it is to be the master or servant of the people. And a concluding chapter explains how, as fair trade products are being turned into 'brands' by large corporations, a new contest opens - it is no longer just a question of fair versus 'free', but what kind of fair trade.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #285808 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Review
'For anyone who wants a lucid, factual, reliable guide to some of the most important issues of our time, I strongly recommend you check out the No-Nonsense Guides.' Howard Zinn, historian, playwright and social activist 'A splendid series of pocketable guides to issue politics... rigorously clear.' The Guardian, London

From the Back Cover
World Trade was once the exclusive preserve of big business, run by transnational corporations more powerful than governments. Now the 'free' trade they favour is the focus of public concern everywhere - globalization and the World Trade Organization have seen to that.

But what's the alternative? The No-Nonsense Guide to Fair Trade gives you a good idea. Dispensing with the marketing spin of orthodox economics, it tells the human story behind the things we consume. In the divide between consumers and producers, rich and poor, North and South, it discovers positive options that are already available on supermarket shelves.

The threads of a complex issue are pulled together into a summary of key concepts and factual evidence - a lively, digestible and radical guide for the general reader as well as campaigners and specialists in development, globalization and international affairs.

'If trade undermines life, narrows it or impoverishes it, then it can destroy the world. If it enhances life, then it can change the world. That's why David Ransom's book is so urgent. It is a crucial part of the argument for trade with a different bottom line, and it's never been so important. That's why I'm delighted to commend it.' Anita Roddick, Founder & Co-Chair, The Body Shop

About the Author
David Ransom has been a co-editor of New Internationalist magazine since 1989. He has edited a wide range of magazines, including several on fair trade. Prior to that he was a teacher and community worker in the East End of London. He spent several years at the London School of Economics working on the economic history of Latin America.

Customer Reviews

Does exactly what it says on the tin
As a shop manager new to the world of Fair Trade, I was grateful and relieved to discover that this book exists. Fair trade is a complicated and indepth ethos and this book gives insight and direction in a factual and informative way. There's no bias, no unbalanced viewpoints and it allows you to make up your own mind, whilst fully armed with the facts. It explores both sides of the coin - pointing out that not all fair trade is as perfect as it might make out. This book is a must for the modern, socially and environmentally aware shopper. It's an eye opener and a heart warmer and I could not do my job as well without it!!

Thorough all-round guide for the literate beginner.
Providing basic information in a clear and consise manner, this book covers the Fair Trade process and history from simple commodities, such as coffee, to more complex, such as denim jeans. It's a little dry in places, but is fairly comprehensive for the consumer with a conscience. An interesting read.

Definitly a lot of nonsense!
Sorry, but this book bitterly disappointed me. Absolutely one-sided portrait of the Fair Trade movement, almost glorifying them. Not even once does he mention any criticism (and there is, believe me).

Absolutely biased. He calls conventional trade a "beast" and sees conventional trade as a creation of a global conspiracy between "politicians, transnational corporate empires and corrupt individuals in poor countries" with the purpose to "gain a political stronghold".

The book will only give you one side of the argument! Please be aware of that.