How To Be A Liberal
The Story of Freedom and the Fight for its Survival
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Canbury Press
Published:2nd Sep '21
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
In How to Be a Liberal, Ian Dunt offers a compelling guide to defending liberal values amidst rising populism and nationalism, emphasizing humor and self-reflection.
Liberalism faces significant challenges in today's world, marked by the rise of nationalism and populism, as well as a decline in trust towards institutions. In How to Be a Liberal, Ian Dunt addresses the pressing question of what it means to be a liberal in the 21st century and how to uphold the values that are increasingly under threat. He provides readers with a practical guide to understanding and living out liberal ideals, emphasizing that these principles are not merely abstract concepts but essential to leading a meaningful life.
Dunt draws upon his extensive background as a journalist and political commentator to explore a variety of topics relevant to modern liberalism. He delves into the history of liberal thought, examining key figures and the evolution of different strands of liberalism. The book also tackles the complexities of multiculturalism and identity politics, challenging readers to engage with difficult issues while maintaining a sense of humor and irony. Dunt's engaging writing style makes these intricate ideas accessible to a broad audience.
What sets How to Be a Liberal apart is Dunt's insistence on the importance of humor in political discourse. He argues that liberals should embrace self-reflection and not shy away from laughter, as it can be a powerful tool in defending liberal values. This book is an essential read for anyone looking to navigate the current political landscape and understand how to effectively advocate for liberalism today.
‘A tour de force; a mighty trumpet blast for the forces of liberalism and enlightenment in the face of a global tide of ignorance and populism.’
– THE SECRET BARRISTER
‘This is a history of ideas as it should be written – brilliant, vivid story-telling about the people who shaped liberalism, the challenges it has faced over the centuries, its commitment to the truth and why it’s now more important than ever to defend it.’
– CAROLINE LUCAS MP
‘Dunt’s gift for making complicated issues comprehensible is second to none. Courageous.’
– JAMES O’BRIEN, LBC
‘How To Be A Liberal is required reading for today’s political debates.’
– ANNE APPLEBAUM, TWILIGHT OF DEMOCRACY
‘Clear-eyed and hard-headed. His defence of liberalism is political writing at its most urgent and engaging.’
– NICK COHEN, OBSERVER COLUMNIST
‘A phenomenal history from a truly big mind.’
– DAVID SCHNEIDER, THE DEATH OF STALIN
'When in the course of human events it falls on us to resist, this makes a welcome guidebook.'
– KIRKUS
'He describes liberalism as “an enormous, boisterous, confounding bloody thing,” and writes passionately in its favour, as a counterweight to ignorance and populism. This book is required reading for anyone interested in politics and philosophy.'
– PROSPECT
'All of Ian Dunt’s How to be a Liberal is essential reading, but the chapter on Harriet Taylor and John Stuart Mill is blistering, eye-opening stuff.'
– Shakespeare & Company bookstore, https://twitter.com/Shakespeare_Co/status/1332266783303151617
ISBN: 9781912454457
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 35mm
Weight: unknown
480 pages