Expo Files

With an introduction by Tariq Ali.

Now almost exclusively known as the author of the bestselling Trilogy, as a professional journalist Stieg Larsson was an untiring crusader for democracy and equality. As a reporter and editor-in-chief on the journal Expo he researched the extreme right both in Sweden and at an international level. Collected here for the first time are essays and articles on right-wing extremism and racism, on violence against women and women's rights, on homophobia and honour killings. Included also is an account written for Vagabond magazine of his travels aboard the Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to Beijing.

His most important writings - perceptive, learned and committed texts - illustrate the breadth of his journalistic and political activities in connection with matters that were closest to his heart, and to which he devoted his life. Despite death threats and financial difficulties, Larsson never ceased to fight for and write about his most firmly held principles; it was his commitment to these which gave his best-selling novels their explosive force.

'This collection - often infuriating, but always challenging - may be bought by most as an adjunct to Larsson's fictional universe' Barry Forshaw, Independent.

'Here is the best - and most passionate - of his non-fiction writing, covering right-wing extremism, homophobia and women's rights' Metro.

'This is a truly valuable piece in the jigsaw puzzle that was the life of the late author of The Millennium Trilogy' We Love This Book.

'he proves that his legacy extends beyond a tattooed biker chick. His words have never been so pertinent and his passion shines through' Shortlist.

'an illuminating footnote to Larsson's fiction as well as a tribute to a brave journalist who was only too willing to kick the hornets' nest' Telegraph.

'a spur to democratic participation' Independent on Sunday.

'These journalistic articles goes some way in explaining the underlying themes of his hugely successful Millennium Trilogy crime novels' Big Issue.

'It is a mirror piece to his thrillers' Bookbag. 'Larsson's writing is sincere and vehement ... The anger and convictions which run as a deep undercurrent through Larsson's Millennium Trilogy come to the surface and are spelled out with clarity in this book' Times Literary Supplement.

'We understand better why his friends miss him so, and why they sought to make this book' Guardian.

Now almost exclusively known as the author of the bestselling Millennium Trilogy, as a professional journalist Stieg Larsson was an untiring crusader for democracy and equality. As a reporter and editor-in-chief on the journal Expo he researched the extreme right both in Sweden and at an international level. Collected here for the first time are essays and articles on right-wing extremism and racism, on violence against women and women's rights, on homophobia and honour killings. His most important writings - perceptive, learned and committed texts - illustrate the breadth of his journalistic and political activities in connection with matters that were closest to his heart, and to which he devoted his life. Despite death threats and financial difficulties, Larsson never ceased to fight for and write about his most firmly held principles; it was his commitment to these which gave his bestselling novels their explosive force.

Stieg Larsson was the founder and editor-in-chief of the anti-racist magazine Expo and an acknowledged expert on right-wing extremist organisations. He died in 2004, soon after delivering the text of the novels that make up the Millennium Trilogy.

Daniel Poohl succeeded Stieg Larsson as editor-in-chief of the journal Expo. He is also a member of the jury for the newly established Stieg Larsson Prize.

Laurie Thompson is the distinguished translator of the novels of Henning Mankell and Håkan Nesser.