The New Left Review (NLR), a journal of socialist thought, holds a significant place in the intellectual history of the Western world. Understanding its history means delving into the evolution of leftist thought, the debates that shaped it, and its continuing relevance in our contemporary world. So, buckle up, guys, because we're about to take a deep dive into the fascinating story of the New Left Review!

Genesis of the New Left Review

The story begins in 1959, amid the fading echoes of the old left and the stirring of something new. The New Left Review emerged from a fusion of two earlier journals: The New Reasoner, edited by E.P. Thompson and John Saville, and Universities and Left Review, edited by Stuart Hall. These publications represented a growing dissatisfaction with both orthodox communism and social democracy. They sought a “third way,” a path beyond the rigid dogmas of the Cold War era. Think of it as the cool kids on the block deciding to start their own club because the old ones just weren't cutting it anymore. The intellectual climate of the late 1950s was ripe for such a venture. The Soviet Union's brutal suppression of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 had disillusioned many communists, while social democracy appeared increasingly complacent and reformist. The founders of the NLR felt a pressing need for a journal that could grapple with these issues critically and creatively.

E.P. Thompson, a towering figure in social history, brought his passion for uncovering the experiences of ordinary people and his deep commitment to socialist values. Stuart Hall, a cultural theorist of immense influence, added his sharp insights into the role of culture and ideology in shaping social life. Together, they envisioned a journal that would be both intellectually rigorous and politically engaged. The initial editorial statement of the New Left Review emphasized its commitment to exploring the possibilities of a new kind of socialism, one that was democratic, humanist, and rooted in the experiences of everyday life. It aimed to provide a platform for intellectuals and activists from across the left to engage in critical dialogue and develop new strategies for social change. The early years of the NLR were marked by a spirit of experimentation and openness. The journal published articles on a wide range of topics, from political economy and social history to cultural studies and literary criticism. It sought to break down the barriers between academic disciplines and to foster a more interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the modern world. Guys, this was a time of intellectual ferment, with new ideas bubbling up from all corners of the left. The New Left Review played a crucial role in channeling these ideas and giving them a voice.

The Stuart Hall Era (1962-1968)

Stuart Hall's leadership marked a pivotal period for the New Left Review. Taking the helm in 1962, Hall steered the journal toward a more theoretically sophisticated and culturally oriented direction. This era saw the introduction of key European thinkers to the English-speaking world, shaping the intellectual landscape of the British left for decades to come. Under Hall's guidance, the NLR became a vital conduit for transmitting ideas from the continent to Britain. Thinkers like Louis Althusser, Antonio Gramsci, and Roland Barthes were introduced to a wider audience through translations and critical essays published in the journal. This exposure to European theory had a profound impact on the British left, challenging traditional Marxist approaches and opening up new avenues for intellectual inquiry.

Hall's own intellectual contributions were also central to the NLR's success during this period. His work on culture, ideology, and identity helped to develop a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which power operates in modern societies. He emphasized the importance of studying popular culture and the media, arguing that these were crucial sites for the construction of meaning and the shaping of consciousness. The journal also became a forum for debates about the nature of class, race, and gender. Hall encouraged contributions from a diverse range of voices, including those of feminists, anti-racist activists, and LGBTQ+ intellectuals. This commitment to inclusivity helped to broaden the scope of the New Left and to make it more relevant to the struggles of marginalized groups. However, Hall's tenure was not without its challenges. The NLR faced financial difficulties and internal tensions. Some critics argued that the journal was becoming too academic and detached from the practical concerns of political activism. Others felt that it was not doing enough to address the specific issues facing British society. Despite these challenges, Hall's leadership was crucial in establishing the New Left Review as a major intellectual force. He transformed it from a relatively obscure journal into a leading platform for radical thought and cultural criticism. This period laid the foundation for the NLR's continued success in the decades that followed. Guys, it was like Hall took the journal from being a local band to a globally recognized act!

The Perry Anderson Era (1969-1982)

Following Hall, Perry Anderson took over as editor, ushering in a new phase characterized by a focus on historical analysis and theoretical rigor. Anderson's tenure saw the New Left Review engage deeply with classical Marxism and explore the historical trajectories of capitalism and socialism. Under Anderson's editorship, the NLR became known for its long, densely argued essays that grappled with fundamental questions of history and theory. He encouraged contributors to engage with the works of classical Marxist thinkers such as Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Trotsky, as well as contemporary theorists like Althusser and Gramsci. This focus on theoretical rigor helped to solidify the NLR's reputation as a serious intellectual journal. Anderson himself contributed several influential essays to the NLR during this period, including his analysis of the historical development of the English aristocracy and his critique of the work of E.P. Thompson. These essays demonstrated his commitment to combining historical research with theoretical analysis.

The journal also published translations of key works by European intellectuals, including Jürgen Habermas, Michel Foucault, and Gilles Deleuze. This exposure to continental thought further enriched the intellectual landscape of the British left. However, Anderson's tenure was not without its critics. Some argued that the NLR had become too detached from the practical concerns of political activism and that its focus on theory had come at the expense of engagement with contemporary social issues. Others felt that the journal was too Eurocentric and that it did not pay enough attention to the experiences of the Third World. Despite these criticisms, Anderson's leadership was crucial in establishing the NLR as a major force in Marxist scholarship. He transformed it into a journal that was respected for its intellectual rigor and its commitment to historical analysis. This period laid the foundation for the NLR's continued engagement with Marxist theory in the decades that followed. Guys, Anderson really put the "theory" in New Left Theory!

Later Years and Contemporary Relevance

In subsequent years, the New Left Review continued to evolve, adapting to changing political and intellectual landscapes. It has remained a vital platform for critical analysis of global capitalism, imperialism, and social movements. The NLR has continued to publish cutting-edge scholarship on a wide range of topics, from political economy and social theory to cultural studies and international relations. It has also provided a platform for debates about the future of the left and the challenges facing progressive movements around the world.

The journal has been particularly attentive to the rise of neoliberalism and its consequences for social inequality, environmental degradation, and political polarization. It has also explored the changing nature of work, the rise of new technologies, and the challenges of globalization. In recent years, the NLR has also made efforts to diversify its contributors and to include more voices from the Global South. This has helped to broaden the scope of the journal and to make it more relevant to the struggles of people around the world. The New Left Review remains a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the modern world and the possibilities for social change. It continues to challenge conventional wisdom, to provoke critical debate, and to inspire new generations of intellectuals and activists. Guys, it's still kicking and screaming, pushing the boundaries of leftist thought!

Conclusion

The New Left Review's journey is a testament to the enduring power of critical thought and the ongoing quest for a more just and equitable world. From its early days as a platform for a nascent New Left to its current status as a leading journal of socialist thought, the NLR has consistently challenged conventional wisdom and pushed the boundaries of intellectual inquiry. Its history reflects the evolution of leftist thought itself, with its triumphs, struggles, and ongoing debates. The New Left Review has not only documented the key intellectual and political developments of the past six decades but has also actively shaped them. It has provided a space for intellectuals and activists to come together, to debate ideas, and to develop new strategies for social change. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, the New Left Review's commitment to critical analysis and its unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world remain as relevant as ever. So, there you have it, folks! The New Left Review, a story of intellectual adventure, political passion, and the ongoing pursuit of a more just world. Keep reading, keep thinking, and keep fighting the good fight!