In our post-truth world, tapping into people's emotions has proved far
more effective than rational argument - and, as Philip Seargeant argues
in this illuminating and entertaining book, the most powerful tool for
manipulating emotions is a gripping narrative.
From Trump's America to Brexit Britain, weaving a good story, featuring
fearless protagonists, challenging quests against seemingly
insurmountable odds, and soundbite after soundbite of memorable dialogue
has been at the heart of political success. So does an understanding of
the art of storytelling help explain today's successful political
movements? Can it translate into a blueprint for victory at the ballot
box?
*
The Art of Political Storytelling* looks at how stories are created,
shared and contested, illuminating the pivotal role that persuasive
storytelling plays in shaping our understanding of the political world
we live in. By mastering the tools and tricks of narrative, and
evaluating the language and rhetorical strategies used to craft and
enact them, Seargeant explains how and why today's combination of new
media, populism and partisanship makes storytelling an ever more
important part of the persuasive and political process. In doing so, the
book offers an original and compelling way of understanding the chaotic
world of today's politics.
