Harold Laski: A Political Biography

by Michael Newman

Overview

Harold Laski (1893-1950) was perhaps the best known socialist intellectual of his era. As a prolific writer, inspiring teacher, prominent member of the Labour Party National Executive, and intimate friend of many leading figures in Roosevelt's New Deal, his influence was felt in the USA, India and mainland Europe as well as Britain. A con-troversial figure, he was attacked in the Cold War years for his continued defence of socialist principles.

This biography argues that Laski has been misrepresented. He dedicated his life to the quest for a just society, and his thought remains highly relevant for our own times.

This first paperback editions includes a new preface assessing the relevance of Laski's legacy today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780850366969
Publisher:	Merlin Press Limited, The
Publication date:	10/29/2009
Pages:	466
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Michael Newman is the Jean Monnet Professor of European integration studies and a professor of politics at the London Metropolitan University. He is the author of Humanitarian Intervention: Confronting the Contradictions; Ralph Miliband and the Politics of the New Left; and Socialism: A Very Short Introduction.

Table of Contents

Preface to paperback edition A1

Acknowledgements viii

Introduction x

1 Divided Loyalties 1

2 Political Education 16

3 A Pluralist in North America 31

4 A Fabian Intellectual? 65

5 The General Strike and After 90

6 Empire, Race and Identity 110

7 Democracy in Crisis 133

8 Freedom in Danger 152

9 Dilemmas of an anti-Fascist 179

10 Laski's War 204

11 Political Trials 258

12 Zionism, Jewish Identity and Socialism 310

13 'I Build my Policy on Hope' 346

14 Constructive Contradictions 354

Notes 375

Bibliography 415

Index 428

Editorial Reviews

This is a closely argued book which offers an intelligent and spirited defense of Laski.” —Guardian

“For many of us in the Labor Party, over a period of some 20 or 30 years, Harold Laski was our guide, philosopher, and friend, performing each particular role." —Observer

“Newman concentrates upon Laski’s ideas and politics, but does not neglect any important aspect of his life. His book is searching, sober, well-argued." —New Left Review

“In this beautifully written, minutely researched and very thoughtful book, Professor Newman has at last provided Laski with the biography that he so manifestly deserves.” —Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History

“Mr. Newman’s brilliant book is eminently worthy of his subject.” — Jewish Chronicle

“Justice has now been done in Michael Newman’s excellent, well-researched, and eloquent biography. It has the supreme merit of bringing together Laski’s roles as theorist and activist.” —New Statesman and Society

“Explains Laski’s intellectual evolution and the elements of continuity in his political thinking very well indeed.” —Economy and Society

"A lightly written, readable, and well-documented account which brings its subject vividly to life . . . Newman’s account of the life of this martyr to optimism is worth reading.” —Political Studies

From the Publisher