Training Minds for the War of Ideas: Ashridge College, the Conservative Party and the Cultural Politics of Britain, 1929-54

The book explores how the Conservative party attempted to capture the 'brains' of the new electorate and create a counter-culture to the intellectual hegemony of the Left in the interwar years. It reveals the fascinating story of the Bonar Law Memorial College, Ashridge, founded in 1929 as a 'College of citizenship' to provide political education and create Conservative Fabians. This book modifies our understanding of the history of the Conservative party and popular Conservatism, as well as the history of intellectual debate in Britain. It also sheds new light on the history of the 'middlebrow' and how it became a weapon for the Conservatives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into the intriguing endeavors of the Conservative party during the interwar years, aimed at capturing the minds of the emerging electorate and establishing a counter-culture to the perceived intellectual dominance of the Left. It unveils the fascinating story of the Bonar Law Memorial College, Ashridge, established in 1929 as a pioneering institution dedicated to political education. The college's mission was to cultivate "Conservative Fabians," individuals who would become prolific writers and disseminators of Conservative literature, encompassing not only explicitly political works but also literary, historical, and cultural pieces that carried implicit Conservative messages.

By examining this unique college, the book offers a transformative perspective on the history of the Conservative party and popular Conservatism. It sheds new light on the evolution of the "middlebrow" category and its strategic utilization by the Conservatives as a powerful tool in shaping public discourse. Through its detailed analysis and rich narrative, this book not only enriches our understanding of the past but also provides valuable insights into the ongoing dynamics of intellectual debate in Britain.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526139375