The pieces in this book were originally published in the Guardian, the London Review of Books, the New York Times, openDemocracy and the blog of the Political Economy Research Centre. I’m very grateful to the various editors who commissioned the essays and played a vital role in honing them: Rosemary Bechler, Paul Myerscough and his colleagues at the LRB, Jonathan Shainin, Max Strasser and David Wolf.
The vision of the essay collection was developed in conversation with my agent, Karolina Sutton at Curtis Brown. As ever, I’m very grateful for her tireless support and enthusiasm for my writing.
I was delighted that this book gave me the chance to work again with Leo Hollis at Verso, who provides such calm yet sharp editorial judgement. I hope he’s pleased with how it’s turned out.
The turbulent period covered by this book coincided with another joyful, exhilarating, exhausting four years of family life. Thanks to Lydia, Martha and Laurie for making it endlessly fun and surprising, and for the pride they take in my writing.
The book is dedicated to my mum, and to the promise of normal times ahead.