Founded in 1936, the original Left Book Club aimed to popularise ideas from the left and counter the rise of fascism, exerting strong political influence in Britain in the 1930s and 40s. Pioneered by Victor Gollancz, within three years of its founding the Book Club had 57,000 members, distributed two million books and started 1,200 reading groups. It grew to become an educational mass movement, remodelling British public opinion and contributing substantially to Labour’s landslide victory in 1945 and the construction of the welfare state. In the face of austerity, vast social inequalities and the rise of the far-right, the present incarnation of the Left Book Club continues the mission of the original. The LBC publishes a book a month, in a special edition, which is sent direct to members. It selects books from a wide range of publishers, curating the very best ideas from across the left in order to help them reach the widest possible audience. The LBC also runs reading groups and events, and works with partner organisations who share its aim of strengthening political education. The Pluto Educational Trust is a Patron of the Left Book Club. Your donation will support the ongoing administration of the LBC and the organisation of activities and events such as reading groups and author talks. Find out more here: https://www.leftbookclub.com