Harold Laski (1893-1950) was perhaps the best known socialist intellectual of his era, with influence in the USA, India and mainland Europe as well as Britain. But he was always a controversial figure and his reputation has never recovered from the effort to discredit him that took place during the Cold War. This new biography argues that Laski has been misrepresented. It maintains that he dedicated his life to the quest for a just society, and that his thought remains highly relevant for our own times.

Arguing that perhaps the best-known socialist intellectual of his era has been misrepresented, this biography centers on the life and times of Harold Laski. Spotlighting his influence in the United States, India, and mainland Europe as well as Great Britain, this account explores how this controversial figure was attacked in the Cold War years for his continued defense of socialist principals. Contending that Laski dedicated his life to the quest for a just society and that his thoughts remain highly relevant today, this updated edition includes a new preface assessing the relevance of Laski...