Description
Book SynopsisThe true story of the strange disappearance of a radical icon
Trade Review'Victor Grayson was a socialist firebrand and trailblazer. The leftist equivalent of a spectacular firework, he blazed gloriously, but briefly, before falling to earth - and from grace. This is a gripping account of his spectacular political rise, challenge to the cosy Labour establishment, bizarre ideological volte-face and sudden, never solved, disappearance'
-- Peter Tatchell, human rights defender
'Wonderful'
-- Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the Labour party
'Remarkable ... cuts through the mystery and fabrication that has surrounded Grayson's tumultuous life and brings us a step closer to the true story of one of the most renowned socialist politicians of his generation'
-- Dan Carden MP
'Casts a new light on its fascinating subject'
-- Dr Kevin Hickson, Senior Lecturer in British Politics, University of Liverpool
'A fresh and lively portrait of Victor Grayson built on sound research and archival discoveries'
-- David Clark (Lord Clark of Windermere), former Colne Valley MP and author of 'Victor Grayson: The Man and the Mystery' (Quartet, 2016)
'From his stunning victory in the Colne Valley by-election of 1907 to his stirring oratory and mysterious disappearance, Victor Grayson has continued to be a source of fascination. In this well-written new study, Harry Taylor not only illuminates Grayson's political career, he also illustrates its significance in the rise of the Labour Party'
-- Nick Thomas Symonds MP
'A cracking read. If you like your politics and your history in primary colours, Harry Taylor's story of Victor Grayson fits the bill'
-- Chris Bryant MP
'A thorough, wonderfully-written examination of a hugely intriguing and complex figure who vanished so quickly after a brief yet incendiary political career'
-- Maxine Peake, actor
'The Victor Grayson story is one of the great 'who-dunnit' sagas of modern politics. It is especially poignant for socialists as he was one of the first of the breed in Parliament, full of promise which soon dissipated. Harry Taylor tells the tale with verve and insight'
-- Andrew Lord Adonis
'Taylor delves into Labour's most fascinating cold case to produce a lively and compelling story of a working class hero'
-- Paul Mason, author of 'How To Stop Fascism: History, Ideology, Resistance'
'Taylor gives us a superb life ... the best biography of Grayson'
-- 'Bookmunch'
'Stunning ... In Harry Taylor Grayson has found an understanding, but not uncritical, champion, who wears his extensive research lightly and has now confirmed his status as one of the party's most perceptive and sympathetic chroniclers'
-- 'Tides of History'
‘Taylor’s compelling scholarship is thorough and enthralling’
-- ‘Morning Star’
‘An engaging and evocative biography … Victor Grayson’s story is told in accomplished style by Taylor’
-- ‘Tribune’
‘Harry Taylor has produced a helpful, well-written and excellent account of the life and subsequent mysterious disappearance of the Labour MP Victor Grayson’
-- ‘House Magazine’
Table of ContentsIllustrations
Foreword by Jeremy Corbyn
Introduction
1. The Boy from Liverpool
2. The Student Revolutionary
3. The By-Election
4. ‘The Boy Who Paralysed Parliament’
5. Member for the Unemployed
6. ‘England’s Greatest Mob Orator’
7. Revolution Delayed
8. The Battle for a Socialist Party
9. More Than Just a ‘Cheap Orator’
10. A Taste of War
11. To Passchendaele
12. On Lloyd George’s Service
13. Towards the Truth
Notes
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index
