Fascist in the Family: The Tragedy of John Beckett M.P. (Routledge Studies in Fascism and the Far Right)

Book Details

• Publisher: Routledge

• Author: Francis Beckett

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition

• ISBN: 9781138907669

• Pages: 388

• Cover: Hardcover (Illustrated)

• Dimensions: 8.0 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches

About The Book
In this captivating and poignant biography, Francis Beckett delves into the life of his father, John Beckett, a once-promising political figure who rose to prominence as the youngest Labour M.P. in 1924, only to fall into disgrace as a key supporter of Oswald Mosley’s fascists. This biography explores the contradictions within John Beckett’s life, including his public anti-Semitism and the shocking truth that his mother, whom he deeply loved, was Jewish. Throughout his life, he concealed his Jewish heritage, leading to a web of secrecy, betrayal, and lies that would profoundly affect his family. Written with raw honesty, Francis Beckett reveals how his father’s association with fascist ideologies and his eventual imprisonment during the war affected his family, especially as they were under constant surveillance by British security services. A gripping exploration of a man’s turbulent journey in an era of political upheaval, this biography offers rare insights into the personal and political turmoil of the time.