In October 2002, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made history when he became Latin America's first democratically elected socialist leader since Salvador Allende. Lula and his Workers Party won comfortably with nearly 62 percent of Brazil's popular vote. This book tells the story of the Workers Party's origins and electoral history, outlining the key politicians behind it and the riveting story of their four successive tries for power. It features an exclusive post-election interview with Lula that charts his extraordinary life story, rising from poverty, through decades of struggle in the country's union movement, to increasing political influence and eventual victory. With unparalled access to Lula over the first two years of his administration, the authors have updated the book to include an analysis of his early attempts at social reform, his growing leadership on the international stage, and his response to charges of abandoning the Left of his own party and the hopes of his staunchest supporters.

Sue Branford has reported on Brazil for the BBC and The Guardian for two decades. She is the co-author (with Jan Rocha) of Cutting the Wire. She lives in London.

Bernardo Kucinski is a Brazilian political scientist and co-author, with Sue Branford, of Brazil: Carnival of the Oppressed. He lives in Brazil.