We are thrilled to announce that Sam Yan Press has received invaluable support from Prof. Marcus Rediker and the University of Pittsburgh to translate a series of groundbreaking graphic novels, History From Below. These works, co-created by renowned historian Prof. Marcus Rediker and artist David Lester, bring to life the stories of marginalized figures in history, offering a fresh perspective on the past through the voices of those often left out of mainstream narratives.
The first graphic novel in the series, Prophet Against Slavery: Benjamin Lay, A Graphic Novel, was translated into Thai as คนแคระผู้ฆ่ายักษ์: ชีวิตของคนตัวเล็กผู้ล้มระบบทาส. The book tells the inspiring story of Benjamin Lay, an 18th-century Quaker abolitionist and radical activist who challenged the system of slavery. This translation marks a significant step in making these powerful stories accessible to a broader Thai audience. Our team was invited by Thammasat University Demonstration School to present a lecture on the book and discuss Benjamin Lay’s concept of a “Moral Revolution” with around 30-40 students. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the graphic novel is now part of their classroom curriculum.
Following this, we released the second graphic novel, Under the Banner of King Death, translated as ล่องนาวาหาเสรีภาพ: ประวัติศาสตร์โจรสลัดที่ถูกลืม. This book delves into the often-overlooked history of pirate rebellions against the oppressive labor conditions of the 18th-century Atlantic world. The novel has already sparked interest among educators, with plans to include it in next semester’s coursework. The enthusiasm has also spread to bookstores in southern Thailand, which have ordered copies to meet growing demand.
In December, we launched the third installment, Revolution by Fire: New York’s Afro-Irish Uprising of 1741, translated as ปฏิวัติด้วยเปลวเพลิง: ตำนานกบฏแห่งนิวยอร์ก. This graphic novel explores a lesser-known insurrection led by enslaved Africans and Irish indentured servants, revealing a hidden chapter of resistance in American history. The Thai version was published just one month after the release of the original English edition, and we eagerly anticipate seeing its impact in classrooms and discussions across the country.
We hope that this series will inspire readers in Thailand to explore their own local, forgotten, and neglected histories, breaking away from dominant nationalist and royalist narratives to resurrect the stories of common people.
Endorsement from Prof. Marcus Rediker:
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal and his colleagues at Sam Yan Press to make available to Thai readers the three graphic novels David Lester, Paul Buhle, and I have created over the last three years. These ‘histories from below’ are meant to teach the unknown stories about how oppressed people in the eighteenth century struggled to create a better world. It is our hope that the books can reach younger people in Thailand and around the world and fill them with hope.”
Sam Yan Press extends its deepest gratitude to Prof. Marcus Rediker, David Lester, and the University of Pittsburgh for their support and collaboration. Together, we are making history accessible and bringing activism to life through the power of books.