George Orwell was and is a controversial figure for the left – everyone wants to claim him or reject him.  Anti-fascist, supportive of civil liberties, close to the anarchism movement, anti-Communist with romantic. realistic or patronising attitudes to the working class (delete as applicable)….  John Newsinger gives a sympathetic but not uncritical account of Orwell’s political thinking and its continued signficance today.

He also explores Orwell’s ambivalent relationship with the Labour Party, his shifting views on the USA and his influence on the New Left and feminism.

John Newsinger is Professor of Modern History at Bath Spa, and author of a dozen books on the Empire, on 1917 and the Irish Labour Movement.

Tickets: £3, including refreshments

Please reserve your place on fiveleaves.bookshopevents@gmail.com