The Beginning Comes After the End

Notes on a World of Change

By: Rebecca Solnit

Narrated by: Rebecca Solnit

An optimistic call to arms for our turbulent times, which maps the extraordinary revolution in politics, thinking, and human rights that we are living through, from the author of Men Explain Things to Me.

'An old world is dying; a new world is being born; now is the time of monsters' Antonio Gramsci

Rebecca Solnit maps the extraordinary revolution of ideas and rights that we've experienced over the last fifty years, which has profoundly changed our world. In recognising the interdependent and symbiotic relationships in nature and among humans, this revolution is beginning to overturn capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy and the human domination of nature - despite the best efforts of the old world to fight back. From one of the most significant thinkers of our day, The Beginning Comes After the End is a culmination of years of activism and offers a unique perspective on our politics and our humanity, to give hope in difficult times and to urgently remind us that the power to change the world is within our reach.

©2026 Rebecca Solnit (P)2026 Rebecca Solnit

Critic reviews

Rebecca Solnit reminds us the power to make change is within our reach

A powerful meditation on transformation in turbulent times... Solnit argues that the current turmoil signals the dying throes of patriarchy and colonialism... A rallying call for all those who yearn for a just, sustainable and flourishing society

Beautiful and inspiring: this book gives us the courage to face change, and to make it (George Monbiot)