About the book
'Anyone who wants to understand British politics has to read this book.' Grace Blakeley, author of Vulture Capitalism
‘Important and courageous’ James O’Brien
The British far right is working to dismantle our democracy. This shocking, eye-opening first-hand account reveals who they are, how they operate and how they are normalising extreme ideologies including eugenics.
In summer 2024, riots swept England in the biggest wave of far-right violence in the post-war period. But far-right activity takes many other forms as well, all of them dangerous.
Journalist Harry Shukman knows the dangers all too well: he’d gone undercover to infiltrate these groups. For over a year, he carefully attached his hidden lapel camera and pretended to be an extremist named Chris.
We follow Shukman as he hangs out in the pub with a secretive community network, canvasses with political party Britain First and attends a neo-Nazi conference. We meet a circle of Holocaust deniers, a race science organisation with a major Silicon Valley investor and right-wing think tanks supported by Conservative policymakers. What we witness is hard to believe, or stomach.
Year of the Rat is a gripping and urgent exposé – nail-bitingly tense, darkly absurd and utterly chilling. Risking his safety and sanity, Shukman has removed the far right’s terrifyingly everyday mask. Now, we must ensure it stays off.
Editions of Year of the Rat
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781784746049
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784746056
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781529953213
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529953220
Read an Excerpt
'Anyone who wants to understand British politics has to read this book.' Grace Blakeley, author of Vulture Capitalism
‘Important and courageous’ James O’Brien
The British far right is working to dismantle our democracy. This shocking, eye-opening first-hand account reveals who they are, how they operate and how they are normalising extreme ideologies including eugenics.
In summer 2024, riots swept England in the biggest wave of far-right violence in the post-war period. But far-right activity takes many other forms as well, all of them dangerous.
Journalist Harry Shukman knows the dangers all too well: he’d gone undercover to infiltrate these groups. For over a year, he carefully attached his hidden lapel camera and pretended to be an extremist named Chris.
We follow Shukman as he hangs out in the pub with a secretive community network, canvasses with political party Britain First and attends a neo-Nazi conference. We meet a circle of Holocaust deniers, a race science organisation with a major Silicon Valley investor and right-wing think tanks supported by Conservative policymakers. What we witness is hard to believe, or stomach.
Year of the Rat is a gripping and urgent exposé – nail-bitingly tense, darkly absurd and utterly chilling. Risking his safety and sanity, Shukman has removed the far right’s terrifyingly everyday mask. Now, we must ensure it stays off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Year of the Rat about?
'Anyone who wants to understand British politics has to read this book.' Grace Blakeley, author of Vulture Capitalism
‘Important and courageous’ James O’Brien
The British far right is working to dismantle our democracy. This shocking, eye-opening first-hand account reveals who they are, how they operate and how they are normalising extreme ideologies including eugenics.
In summer 2024, riots swept England in the biggest wave of far-right violence in the post-war period. But far-right activity takes many other forms as well, all of them dangerous.
Journalist Harry Shukman knows the dangers all too well: he’d gone undercover to infiltrate these groups. For over a year, he carefully attached his hidden lapel camera and pretended to be an extremist named Chris.
We follow Shukman as he hangs out in the pub with a secretive community network, canvasses with political party Britain First and attends a neo-Nazi conference. We meet a circle of Holocaust deniers, a race science organisation with a major Silicon Valley investor and right-wing think tanks supported by Conservative policymakers. What we witness is hard to believe, or stomach.
Year of the Rat is a gripping and urgent exposé – nail-bitingly tense, darkly absurd and utterly chilling. Risking his safety and sanity, Shukman has removed the far right’s terrifyingly everyday mask. Now, we must ensure it stays off.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Year of the Rat?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political ideologies and movements > Far-right political ideologies and movements
Where can I read a sample of Year of the Rat?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784746049
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Year of the Rat?
Harry Shukman
Who is the Publisher of the book Year of the Rat?
Random House
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Year of the Rat is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781784746049) and paperback(ISBN 9781784746056) and paperback(ISBN 9781529953213) and ebook(ISBN 9781529953220)
Where can I buy Year of the Rat online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Year of the Rat from below
Where can I buy Year of the Rat?