James Crossley (University of Cambridge)
Thursday 9 April, 4.30 – 6.00pm followed by a wine reception
Book here (MortonBritishCommunism.eventbrite.co.uk)
A. L. Morton was once an influential figure on the British Left, not least through his most famous book—A People’s History of England (1938)—and his role in the formation of the Communist Party Historians’ Group. With the crises of 1956-57 and the rise of the New Left, Morton’s ideas became increasingly sidelined in popular leftist memory.
This talk will explain the reasons why Morton was eclipsed and how his ideas were domesticated on the New Left. This discussion will include Morton’s ambivalent attitude to the fallout of 1956-57, including his behind-the-scenes attempts to prevent splits from the Communist Party.
This is the third event in the new seminar series ‘New Left Histories’ (see Mike Braddick’s ‘The Silences of Christopher Hill’, 5th March) with more information and booking details here (www.bbk.ac.uk/research/centres/raphael-samuel-history-centre). Further seminars are anticipated for 2026 and beyond.
Contact Katy at RSHC for information (k.pettit@bbk.ac.uk)