Description

‘Fascinating’ Sunday Times
‘A fresh, lively and energetic take on how and why politics divides us’ Samira Ahmed
‘As knowledgeable as it is fun’ James Ball
‘A must-read’ Mollie Goodfellow

If a week is a long time in politics, the past decade has felt like a lifetime. A series of explosive revolts has erupted around the world, redrawing the political map and amplifying the already deafening online echo chambers. Sometimes it feels like we’ve lost all common ground. Sometimes it feels like politics has stopped working. Sometimes it all feels too much.

But what’s behind the unrelenting upheaval? Is there more to it than what we’re usually told about crumbling elites and a shrinking centre ground? How did everything get so polarised – so frenzied? And why does there seem to be a revolving door between high office and reality TV?

Look no further than fandom – the hidden power behind many of the most surprising events in recent history… and the key to getting to grips with them. From the mass movements resulting in Brexit and Trump, culture wars and conspiracy theories, to online engagement that enriches lives and inspires positive social and political change, I Heart Politics reveals how a passionate wave of people power is upending our politics and remaking the wider world.

Publisher Review

Written from the heart of the social media maelstrom, but with a real sense of history, Andrews offers a fresh, lively and energetic take on how and why politics divides us * Samira Ahmed * If you’ve ever wondered why politics has become so intense, read this page-turner, which is as knowledgeable as it is fun * James Ball, author of Post-Truth * An entertaining, articulate exploration of modern politics. From Napoleon to Blair, Thatcher to Corbyn, Pericles to Liz Truss, Andrews skilfully illuminates how politicians have inspired, used, and sometimes regretted their fandoms. Read it to understand politics — and the people who love politics — today * Charlotte Lydia Riley, author of Imperial Island * If you want to find out why we’re in the political position we’re in right now, this is the book for you. Andrews breaks down the last few years in politics in an accessible and fun way — a must read * Mollie Goodfellow, journalist and comedy writer * Equal parts fascinating and funny, insightful and infuriating. I’m a fan * Ally Fogg, journalist * A source of both joy and jeopardy for all involved, fandom – for good or ill – is now part and parcel of twenty-first century politics. Andrews appreciates this better than anyone and has written a fascinating book that will help all of us understand exactly what’s going on. * Tim Bale, author of The Conservative Party After Brexit * This is an important book, by turns deeply serious and darkly funny. Andrews takes the tools of cultural analysis and in a personal, accessible yet analytical tone, uses them to explain why the kaleidoscope of our politics seems so broken. * Glen O’Hara, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Oxford Brookes University * A furiously funny sprint through history and into the global events of the past few years, I Heart Politics explains how the phenomenon known as ‘fandom’ has crossed over from celebrity culture into politics, changing everything. Looking at the contemporary landscape through Andrews’ insightful eyes, we can see how the very thing that’s tearing us apart could also be the key to our salvation. * Kirsty Sedgman, author of On Being Unreasonable * Andrews’ writing is illuminating, educational and a whole lot of fun. What can I say? It’ll make you a fan. * Kieron Gillen, author of The Wicked + The Divine *