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How To Be A Liberal

The Story of Freedom and its Fight for Survival

Ian Dunt author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Canbury Press

Published:17th Sep '20

Should be back in stock very soon

How To Be A Liberal cover

This insightful book explores the history and principles of liberalism, illustrating its evolution from the English Civil War to contemporary challenges. It serves as a guide to defending liberal values today.

In How to Be a Liberal, Ian Dunt explores the historical and philosophical foundations of liberalism, addressing its challenges in a contemporary world increasingly influenced by populism and nationalism. The book serves as both a defense of liberal values and a guide for those who wish to uphold them. Dunt traces the evolution of liberalism from its inception during the English Civil War to its current struggles, highlighting key figures and events that have shaped its trajectory.

Dunt's narrative is rich with insights, detailing moments such as the radical ideas that emerged during the English Civil War, the philosophical contributions of thinkers like John Stuart Mill, and the impact of nationalism in modern politics. He emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms, making a compelling case for why these ideals are essential in today's society. Through vivid storytelling, he illustrates the ongoing battle against forces that threaten democratic values.

Ultimately, How to Be a Liberal is not just a historical account; it is a rallying cry for those who believe in the principles of freedom and reason. Dunt encourages readers to engage with these ideas actively, reinforcing the notion that defending liberalism is crucial for the future of democracy. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of political history and philosophy, making it a significant read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of liberal thought and its relevance in contemporary discourse.

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: 9781912454419

Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 40mm

Weight: 796g

496 pages