We get together every month to discuss a book from Left Book Club – first founded in 1936 to oppose war, inequality and fascism. It’s an informal group and everyone is welcome, so pop down and chat about some timely political topics.
Please see below key information for the next Left Book Club York meeting:
- SPARK:York, Piccadilly
- Next session: 20th May 2026
- Time: 7:30 – 9pm
- Selected Book: Blackshirts and Reds By Michael Parenti
Blackshirts & Reds is a bold and insightful exploration of 20th-century political struggles, focusing on the big issues – fascism, capitalism and communism, revolution and democracy – in a way that has huge relevance to the times we are living through right now.
Acclaimed author and public intellectual Michael Parenti argues that fascism is not an aberration, but rather is an integral part of capitalism, used as a weapon to crush popular resistance and preserve privilege. Parenti shows how “rational fascism” serves capitalism and how corporate power undermines democracy.
Parenti goes on to analyse the external and internal factors behind the collapse of communism, and explores the disastrous impact of the “free-market” victory on eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Arguing for the importance of a class-focused perspective, this is a classic book which invites readers to look beyond conventional narratives and challenge orthodox views on modern history.
About the Author: Michael Parenti
Michael Parenti (1933 – 2026) was an American political scientist, academic historian and cultural critic who wrote on scholarly and popular subjects. He taught at universities and also ran for political office. Parenti was well known for his Marxist writings and lectures, and was an intellectual of the American Left.
Left Book Club York FAQ’s
How much does it cost?
Left Book Club: York is free to attend.
Books can be purchased separately from the Left Book Club website.
Do I have to read the whole book?
Whilst you may find the reading group more enjoyable if you have read the book, it isn’t essential. You can come along to listen and learn about the book or discuss the broader ideas within the book.
Can I suggest a book?
Yes! We would love to hear your suggestions. It is worth keeping in mind though that this reading group is in collaboration with Left Book Club so it does need to be a book within their catalogue. Fortunately that gives you lots of awesome books to choose from.
At the end of each group, we discuss books for the following meet up and usually agree one then. The book selection will be added to the event listing on the Left Book Club York Website, which can be found through SPARK:York.
Left Book Club is supported by SPARK:York
