"Alastair Bonnett persuades us that the left can come to terms with nostalgia, because nostalgia-if the left did but realize it-is both a fact and an underutilized quality of leftist thought, and to prove it, Left in the Past conspires an unexpected rendezvous between early socialism, post-colonialism, and situationism. Unforeseen too is how this examination of nostalgia sheds new light on its opponent, modernity, placing the two rivals for the hearts and minds of the left in a truly welcome exchange. The book's novel readings of renowned cultural theories on the one hand, and exposés of arcane psycogeography on the other, will intrigue scholars, activists and students alike in virtually any area of politics, the arts, the humanities and social sciences. Bonnett writes with the humanity of someone who has thought through the contradictions he has felt within himself and which he wants now to share with others. And in a delicious irony, his findings are presented clearly and unsentimentally."  --Simon Sadler, Professor of Architectural and Urban History, University of California, Davis

"Alastair Bonnett of Newcastle University in a brilliant new book, 'Left in the Past: Radicalism and the Politics of Nostalgia' writes that 'throughout the last century nostalgia was cast as the antithesis of radicalism. Emotions of yearning and loss were portrayed as embarrassing defects on the bright body of movement associated with the new and the youthful'. --Jon Cruddas, Member of Parliament (UK)

Praised by Labour MP Jon Cruddas in a lecture delivered in Liverpool March (UK) ''Alastair Bonnett of Newcastle University in a brilliant new book, 'Left in the Past: Radicalism and the Politics of Nostalgia' writes that 'throughout the last century nostalgia was cast as the antithesis of radicalism. Emotions of yearning and loss were portrayed as embarrassing defects on the bright body of movement associated with the new and the youthful'.''

Bonnett's brilliant book- which, quite simply, must be read by anyone wanting not only a richer understanding of the patriotic, conservative and radical nature of the English left's past, but a guide and contour to current debates- forces us to refine our attitude to nostalgia as a human impulse and deeply constructive trait.

Labour Uncut

Ambitious and wide-ranging … [A] scholarly and stimulating work, which makes a valuable and much-needed contribution to the scholarship on nostalgia, modernity and left politics.

Sarah Edwards, Global Discourse

[My] academic interests have been stimulated and my learning enhanced through the reading of this book. I highly recommend Left in the Past to anyone interested in exploring the history of radicalism and/or the politics of nostalgia.

Michael Richardson, Global Discourse