The North Will Rise Again

More about the book

Incorporating sharp questions and big ideas, Niven deftly navigates history, politics, culture, and literature to analyze the marginalization of the North of England. This exploration highlights the vibrant adventures of its inhabitants and the optimism that characterizes Northern culture, juxtaposed with a recurring 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 calls for regional devolution. He advocates for a revival of Northern politics through what he terms 'radical regionalism.' As a native Northerner who has returned to Newcastle, Niven weaves personal memoir and family history into his narrative, reflecting on key arguments. He probes the extent to which recent crises stem from deep geographical divides and inequalities in England, examines how the North became synonymous with lost potential, and explores possibilities for revitalizing it into a dynamic, forward-looking region. This lively and timely book engages with these critical questions and more.