A dynamic selection of Linton Kwesi Johnson's most powerful prose writings, brought together for the first time.

‘Key to understanding Black British history’ – The Sunday Times
‘Sharp and still relevant’ – Zadie Smith

One of the great poets of modern times, and a deeply respected political and cultural activist and social critic, Linton Kwesi Johnson is also a prolific writer of non-fiction. In Time Come, he selects some of his most powerful prose – book and music reviews published in newspapers and magazines, lectures, obituaries and speeches – for the first time. Written over many decades, these works draw on Johnson’s own Jamaican roots and on Caribbean history to explore the politics of race that continue to inform the Black British experience.

Ranging from reflections on the place of music in Caribbean and Black British culture as a creative, defiant response to oppression, to penetrating appraisals of novels, films, poems and plays, and including warm tributes paid to the activists and artists who inspired him to contribute to the struggle for racial equality and social justice, Time Come is a panorama of an exceptional life. Venturing into memoir, it underscores Johnson’s enduring importance in Britain’s cultural history and reminds us of his brilliant, unparalleled legacy.

With an introduction by Paul Gilroy, author of There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack.

‘A mosaic of wise, urgent and moving pieces’ – Kit de Waal
‘As necessary as ever’ – The Observer
‘A book to be savoured and re-read’ – Derek Owusu
‘An outstanding collection’ – Caryl Phillips
‘A necessary book from a writer who continues to inspire’ – Yomi Sode
‘Incisive, engaging, fearless’ – Gary Younge

"Flecked with passion; taut and reasoned . . . The grace and power of LKJ's writing are as necessary as ever." - The Observer

"An opportunity to understand Johnson as a thinker as well as a cultural critic . . . every word is chosen with care." - TLS

"Extraordindary . . . If you want to know about the life, politics and history behind Linton Kwesi Johnson's poetry and music, you need this book." - Wire

"Sheds light not only on LKJ's creative process but also his life story." - Financial Times

"Once again we are playing catch up with the writing of Linton Kwesi Johnson. From speeches to reviews, reggae to political commentary, Linton always has an insightful perspective . . . something to teach, something to tell, something to rebel against. A book to be savoured and re read, spending time with Kwesi Johnson, one of our greatest living poets, is always a privilege." - Derek Owusu

"We journey through this selection of prose with Linton Kwesi Johnson's upbringing and landscape weaved within. Time Come is a necessary book from a writer who continues to inspire generations of Black voices. LKJ: a reggae poet on the mic, a craftsman on the page, and a legacy in our hearts." - Yomi Sode

"One of the greatest living poets of the counterculture . . . Braids together the themes of his life." - The Guardian