Chronology of Revolution: Communism, Culture, and Civil Society in Twentieth-Century Britain

The Chronology of Revolution is a book that examines the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) and its legacy, arguing that despite its significant influence on British culture, it never fully appreciated the importance of civil society to its political strength.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

The Chronology of Revolution is a comprehensive and meticulously researched work of historical and cultural analysis, focusing on the legacy of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). The book, spanning a decade of research in over twenty archives, aims to provide an accessible and in-depth exploration of this influential political entity. The author, Ben Harker, draws upon the ideas of Antonio Gramsci to argue that while the CPGB had significant influence over British culture, it failed to fully appreciate the importance of civil society to its political strength.

Through a detailed analysis of the party's activities in various fields such as science, journalism, the arts, broadcasting, and education, The Chronology of Revolution offers an alternative and radical history of Britain between 1920 and 1991. The book sheds light on the CPGB's efforts to shape British society and culture, as well as its challenges and failures. It provides valuable insights into the historical context of the contemporary Left and offers lessons that can be applied to current political movements.

One of the key themes of the book is the CPGB's struggle to establish a viable political alternative to the dominant capitalist system. The party faced numerous obstacles, including internal divisions, ideological conflicts, and the hostility of the broader political establishment. Despite these challenges, the CPGB played a significant role in shaping British culture and politics during the twentieth century.

The book also explores the CPGB's relationship with other communist parties and movements around the world. Harker argues that the CPGB was influenced by the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, but also adapted them to the specific context of British society. The party's commitment to social justice, equality, and democracy was a hallmark of its ideology, and it played a role in advocating for these values in various social and political campaigns.

However, the CPGB's influence declined in the late twentieth century, as it faced competition from other left-wing political parties and movements. The party's inability to adapt to changing political and social conditions, as well as its perceived lack of relevance to the concerns of ordinary people, contributed to its dissolution in 1991.

In conclusion, The Chronology of Revolution is a valuable contribution to the study of British history and culture. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of the CPGB's legacy, highlighting its successes and failures, and offering insights into the historical context of the contemporary Left. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of British political history and the challenges faced by socialist and communist movements in the twentieth century.

Weight: 744g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487507398