I've never really had the courage of my convictions to take any political action in support of my socialist tendencies apart from one pallid participation in a demonstration at a G8 summit. I'm far too timid, comfortable and risk aversive to take political action on behalf of what I believe in. I'm the kind of wishy-washy left-winger who would be the epitome of Billy Bragg's eternal frustration. Mind you, he has got a talent to go with his politics which gives him a perfect platform. Nevertheless my socialism has always kept me well away from patriotism and the flag, whether the Union Flag or the St George Cross. I haven't got a burning pride in being English, though I do have a glimmer of pride in being from the Black Country. The Progressive Patriot is a rallying call to reassess the history of being English as a socialist egalitarian struggle against the ruling classes. Billy Bragg serves up an illuminating left wing synopsis of English history and states his case for his proud patriotism. It's an excellent read and I enjoyed it a lot even though my cynicism still reckons that being English is a lot easier for a Londoner - too much of our nationhood is centred on the capital. ( )

Study on the meaning of patriotism and what it means to him. Brings in surprising amount about history and the development of social care and democracy. Apogee for him is collectivism. He is positive about central planning and governmental provision. ( )

In which Billy Bragg explains why patriotism shouldn't just be the prerogative of the right and why the left have equal reason to be proud of their country. It's a history of English dissent, pointing out that questioning our rulers and standing up for ourselves have always been great British traditions. It faces up to current political issues without looking to provide pat answers. And what makes it even stronger is that Bragg avoids point scoring from obvious targets such as members of the Thatcher government or right wing columnists but undermines them with relentlessly intelligent analysis and judicious research.

Instead Bragg outlines and justifies what seems an unusual stance for a high profile left winger to take, and explains it with a fascinating mix of personal and family history and greater historical context. It's always engaging and expertly treads the fine line between oversimplification and too much explanation. Plenty of political writers could learn from Bragg's knack of making political issues relevant, interesting and accessible. Well worth a read for anyone interested in the history of British and English dissent or our national identity. ( )