Popular Front Novel In Britain, 1934-1940

Elinor Taylor's book explores the relationship between the British novel and the anti-fascist Popular Front strategy endorsed by the Comintern in 1935, highlighting the role of the realist novel of the left in rehearsing the politics of anti-fascist alliance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In her groundbreaking work, "The Popular Front Novel in Britain, 1934-1940," Elinor Taylor delves into the intricate relationship between the British novel and the anti-fascist Popular Front strategy endorsed by the Comintern in 1935. Through a comprehensive analysis of novels written by British Communists, Taylor reveals that the realist novel of the left played a crucial role in rehearsing the politics of anti-fascist alliance. This insightful book not only sheds light on the cultural formation of the Popular Front in Britain but also offers a fresh perspective on reading British fiction during this transformative period.

Taylor's study highlights the ways in which the Popular Front ideology permeated the literary landscape of the time. By examining the narratives and characters of these novels, she demonstrates how the Popular Front's commitment to social justice, anti-imperialism, and democratic socialism was expressed through the medium of literature. The novels analyzed by Taylor range from works by E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf to those by Barbara Cartland and Arnold Bennett, covering a wide spectrum of literary styles and genres.

One of the key findings of Taylor's work is that the realist novel of the left provided a space for the exploration and negotiation of complex political ideas. Through their characters and storylines, authors were able to articulate the challenges and complexities of building anti-fascist alliances, as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with such collaborations. Taylor's analysis reveals that these novels often depicted the Popular Front as a heterogeneous movement, with different factions and perspectives vying for influence and power.

Furthermore, Taylor's book proposes a new framework for reading British fiction of this period. By situating the novels within the broader context of the Popular Front strategy, she highlights the ways in which literature can be used as a tool for cultural formation and social change. Taylor argues that the realist novel of the left played a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse, and that by studying these texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political dynamics of the time.

In conclusion, "The Popular Front Novel in Britain, 1934-1940" is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between literature and politics. Through her meticulous analysis of novels written by British Communists, Taylor demonstrates how the realist novel of the left played a crucial role in rehearsing the politics of anti-fascist alliance. This book not only sheds light on the cultural formation of the Popular Front but also provides a valuable framework for reading British fiction of this period. Taylor's work is a testament to the power of literature to shape public opinion and influence social change.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 155 x 228 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781608460465