7 days ago I asked myself "Why is Mayday?" Of course, many things have happened on May 1st over the years. However, if you are talking about labor solidarity in America, you mean the Haymarket Affair, something I knew nothing about.

I found an episode of the Most Notorious! podcast by @Erik_Rivenes that covered #DeathintheHaymarket by the late historian and labor activist #JamesGreen.

#DeathintheHaymarket uncovers the history of Chicago labor organizing around the 8-hour-day in the Gilded Age, its fall after Haymarket, and its legacy. In particular, Green covers the court that convicted and hung Albert Parsons, Adolph Fischer, George Engel, and August Spies for their ideas without proving a link to the Haymarket bomber.

Green's historical exposition and analysis reflects his labor activism. However, he uses a great number of primary sources from the perspectives of capital, police, and labor while covering the Affair.

If you don't truly understand what people are celebrating on May Day and Labor Day, this book is worth your time.