Klein's 'galvanising' book on unions goes to Allen Lane

Allen Lane will publish Union: A Global History of an Idea by King’s College academic Steven Klein, “that argues that the health of our democracies is the health of our unions”.

Hana Teraie-Wood, commissioning editor at Penguin Press, bought world rights in all languages from John Ash at CAA. Allen Lane in the UK will publish the book in hardback in spring 2026.

The publisher said: “Union is the first global philosophy and history of trade unions that argues that the health of our democracies is the health of our unions. It challenges our narrow idea of unions to show how they are crucial, not just to achieve better conditions for their members, but a healthier state of democracy for all of us – and that they always have been.

"Tracing the idea of unions from the ancient world and around the globe right up to today’s movements for justice and equality, Union shows us that, if we are to save democracy today, we need a new vision: one that puts the organised power of ordinary citizens at the heart of its rebirth.”

Klein is a senior lecturer in political theory in the Department of Political Economy at King’s College London. Prior to King’s, he held positions at the University of Florida and the European University Institute. He is a recipient of the Berlin Prize from the American Academy in Berlin, where he was the Daimler Fellow, and his writing has appeared in various outlets including the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Review of Books.

Klein said: “I am so thrilled to be working with Allen Lane on my book examining the history and philosophy of unions. Ranging from the ancient world to the Global South, Union will show that workers’ movements are vital for advancing freedom and democracy. Bringing together history, philosophy and politics, it will draw valuable lessons for how to revive unions and democracy today.”

Teraie-Wood said: “Steven’s brilliant book shows us how, wherever there are workers, there are unions: and we need them now, more than ever. As a historic wave of strikes and union organising sweeps the globe – from teachers to Amazon workers, barristers to actors, train-drivers and doctors alike – we need a book that reminds us of how unions are our central source of political power. Steven is one of the brightest minds in political theory today, and I’m delighted to be working with him on this galvanising project.”

Ash added: “I’m so delighted that Hana and the team at Allen Lane will be publishing Steven’s vital book on the history of unionisation and its place as a foundation of democracy. With workers in countless industries across the world currently organising, Steven’s book, which traces the evolution of the union from the ancient world to the modern day, couldn’t feel timelier.”