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Socialism and Literature: The Contribution of Imaginative Writers to the Development of the British Labour Party

TEN years or so ago a short article appeared in a prominent journal entitled, ‘What Influences Labour MPs?” It comprised a brief survey in which the vast majority of the 110 respondents agreed that literature had influenced their political thinking considerably. Most influential among imaginative writers, the survey revealed, were Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells, with writers like Orwell and Koestler also enjoying some favour, especially with ‘rightist’ M.P.s. The survey further indicated the absence of any modern writer of comparable status or influence. All in all some important issues were raised, and it is surprising therefore that they have been little pursued since. The intention of the present study is to explore some of the initial points raised by Alexander and Hobbs in greater depth. But before attempting this task a short digression may be in order. It will help to explain why the 1962 study has not been followed up.