Liberalism is under attack. But don't despair! Ian Dunt's new book, How to Be a Liberal, will teach you how to defend the values you hold dear, even in a world that is increasingly prone to populism and hostile to liberalism.
The fightback against populism begins with this work explaining liberal values
‘A tour de force’ – The Secret Barrister
‘Urgent and engaging’ – Nick Cohen, Observer columnist
'Required reading for anyone interested in politics and philosophy' – Prospect magazine
In a soaring narrative that stretches from the battlefields of the English Civil War to the 2020s, Ian Dunt tells the story of liberalism from its birth in the fight against absolute monarchy to the modern-day struggle against dog-whistle nationalism.
Informed by the author's original research, this vivid, epic book explains the political ideas which underpin the modern world.
It is a call to action for those who believe in freedom and reason, and a clear-throated defence and explanation of why those values matter to us all, in our everyday lives.
It is political history and philosophy as it should be written (and read): taut, thought-provoking and bursting with ideas.
Among the topics dealt with are:
- The birth of liberalism with Rene Descartes
- Radical ideas of freedom in the English Civil War
- Mob rule during the French Revolution
- Liberal values in the American War of Independence
- John Stuart Mill and liberalism's great love affair
- The Nazis' and Soviets' crushing of individual liberty
- The rise of identity politics and groupthink
- Social media and misinformation
- Donald Trump and the rise of nationalism worldwide
- Why we fight for our values
Hailed as 'courageous' by LBC's James O'Brien and as a 'tour de force' by the Secret Barrister,
How to be a Liberal is both a history of the growth of individual liberty and a rallying cry to turn back the new populism threatening personal freedoms.
It is the book you need to navigate our times.
Reviews ‘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
‘How To Be A Liberal is required reading for today’s political debates.’ – Anne Applebaum, Twilight of Democracy 'I'm loving How to be a Liberal. It's really great. I mean breathtakingly good. Bravo.'
– Dr Ben Goldacre About the Author Ian Dunt is a journalist, newspaper columnist and co-presents the
Origin Story podcast.
His first book,
Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now? (Canbury Press, 2017), about Britain's challenge in leaving the European Union, was a bestseller.
In
How To Be A Liberal (Canbury, 2020), he tells the epic story of personal freedom, with panache and a panoramic sweep. Ranging across history, politics and economics, he makes a powerful case for a radical brand of egalitarian liberalism that can safeguard individuals while looking after everyone.
Buy the book and start reading
