Across Europe, the politics of social democracy is in freefall, and, arguably, nowhere more so than in Britain. After two heavy general election defeats for the Labour Party, the ideology and culture of the Left faces an existential crisis. The Labour Party faces a paradox - of ever more fervent internal conviction and ever more distant popular support. For all the claims of 'Momentum', we find ourselves historically and politically adrift. In the face of Brexit, resurgent Toryism and a global accession to capitalism, a project of intellectual, cultural and ideological renewal is more urgent than ever. This fascinating collection of essays and articles essays - on subjects ranging from the meaning of Oliver Cromwell to the election of Jeremy Corbyn; from Robert Tressell's Ragged Trousered Philanthropists to the modern phenomenon of 'algorithm politics'; from Harold Wilson's leadership to progressive education policy - promise to shape a distinctive new direction for the Labour Party on political economy, national identity, foreign affairs and political engagement. At the start of the 21st century, the radical tradition - a culture of politics stretching back to the English Civil War - is in jeopardy of dying out altogether. This collection offers a highly personal interpretation of Britain's radical heritage, why it matters now and how Labour can find a way back, drawing on its past to seize the future.
