This centenary anthology of Tony Benn's speeches, writings and interviews is a timely reminder of his political potency and the urgency of his agenda across a wide set of issues: the consequences of empire, the need to embrace industrial change, reform of the state machine and the management of politics.

Called the 'most dangerous man in Britain' by the Daily Mail, Tony Benn, Labour MP for over fifty years, was the most distinguished socialist politician of his era. Holding several significant cabinet posts in the 1960s and '70s, he competed for the Labour Party deputy leadership in 1981 and party leadership in 1988. Throughout his career he put forward a series of arguments on constitutional reform, the economy and foreign affairs - popular and influential policy positions which became known as 'Bennism' and set the template for the democratic socialism of the 2010s. A charismatic orator, a life-long campaigner for peace, and a charming disruptor of the mainstream consensus, Benn reached national treasure status in his retirement, his firebrand politics too often overlooked.

The introduction to this collection, written by his daughter, the writer Melissa Benn, offers a more personal portrait of the man, showing how his politics informed all parts of his life. The book also includes a previously unpublished interview with Tony Benn conducted towards the end of his life.

One of the most mesmerising and divisive figures in the mainstream of postwar British politics. An establishment insider who became a rebellious leftwing outsider, a cabinet minister turned street protester and reviled prophet of capitalism's demise, he nonetheless managed in old age to become something of a national treasure -- Michael White, Guardian
An irreplaceable giant of the labour movement and a courageous fighter for socialism and peace -- Owen Jones, author of This Land
He achieved the sort of popular acclaim most politicians can only dream of - simply by sticking
to his principles -- Mark Steel, comedian
A true political warrior who fought for what he believed - right up to the very end -- John Major, former UK prime minister
Eye-opening * The Journalist *
If you have time for only one book on Benn, I recommend this work. -- Francis Beckett * Literary Review *
I would recommend this book as essential reading for every socialist activist inside and outside the Labour Party and everyone interested in building a fairer, better world of peace and justice -- Richard Burgon * Tribune *

Radical statesman and Member of Parliament for over fifty years, Tony Benn is the pre-eminent diarist of his generation. He held numerous offices in his long carrer as a Labour MP including Postmaster General, Chairman of the Party's National Executive Committee, Minister of Industry, His political activity continued after 'retirement' in 2014 when he was President of the Stop the War Coalition.

Melissa Benn is a journalist, novelist and activist. She has written for the Guardian, New Statesman and London Review of Books, among many others. Her books on education include School Wars and Life Lessons and she has played a prominent role in several campaigns including Comprehensive Future and the Private Education Policy Forum. A regular speaker and broadcaster, she is currently a writing fellow at Lucy Cavendish, Cambridge, and Visiting Professor in Education, Psychology and Language at York St John.