Incorporating sharp questions and big ideas, Niven deftly navigates history, politics, culture, and literature to analyze the marginalization of the North. This in-depth exploration highlights the importance of the North of England in the modern era, showcasing the colorful adventures of its inhabitants, the optimism of Northern culture, and the persistent sense of failure in one of the West's most impoverished regions. By recounting the North's story over recent decades, Niven seeks answers to pressing questions in British politics and society, addressing issues such as the North/South divide, austerity, Brexit's impact, the collapse of Labour's 'Red Wall,' and regional devolution. He advocates for a revival of Northern politics through 'radical regionalism.' As a native Northerner who has returned to Newcastle with his family, Niven weaves memoir and family history into his narrative to support his key arguments. He probes the extent to which recent crises stem from geographical divides and inequalities in England, examines how the North became a symbol of lost potential, and explores ways to transform it into a dynamic, forward-looking region once again. This lively and topical book engages with these critical questions and more.
