The Dark Knight and the Puppet Master Left Populism and Its Defining Myths

Paperback (05 Nov 2020)

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Publisher's Synopsis

'A splendid critique' James O'Brien, Times Literary Supplement

'Richly nuanced, the most stimulating book I have read on Labour in ages' Martin Kettle, Guardian

'A brilliant book ... a reading of left-wing politics that suggests a road ahead' Independent


A 'dark knight' conflict between good and evil; control by elite puppet masters; nostalgia for a golden age: these are the core myths of populism. And these narratives, argues Chris Clarke, have seduced the Left in Britain, causing bitter division and electoral disaster. Only by breaking this narrative spell and moving towards pluralism can Labour hope to fix itself - and to one day hold power again.

Previously published by Rowman & Littlefield and Policy Network under the title Warring Fictions

About the Publisher

Penguin Books

The first ten paperback Penguin books appeared in 1935 costing 6d each (the price of a packet of cigarettes). Since then the Penguin list has developed enormously, but still aims to bring the best writing to the widest possible audience. Penguin Paperbacks now range from Booker Prize-winning contemporary authors, to mass market bestsellers, with successful history, biography and general non-fiction as well.

Book information

ISBN: 9780141994352
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Penguin Books
Pub date:
DEWEY: 324.24107
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 304
Weight: 258g
Height: 128mm
Width: 197mm
Spine width: 25mm