Discussion 'The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy' by A.J.A. Woods
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📚 Totnes Left Book Club
Our next book club takes place on Wednesday 17 June, 7pm, and we’ll be discussing the much-anticipated new book The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West by A.J.A. Woods.
You may have come across phrases such as “Cultural Marxism,” “postmodern neo-Marxism,” “wokeness,” or “critical theory” in political debates and wondered where they came from. This book explores the history of those ideas and narratives, and why they have become so influential in contemporary culture and politics.
At its heart, the book examines the conspiracy theory of “Cultural Marxism”—the claim that a group of left-wing intellectuals, particularly those associated with the Frankfurt School, deliberately sought to undermine Western values and institutions from within. Woods traces the origins and development of this idea, showing how it evolved from a fringe theory into a powerful feature of contemporary political discourse.
The book also explores how these narratives have been promoted by commentators, influencers, media outlets and political movements, helping to shape debates around identity, education, free speech, culture, and social change. Along the way it touches on themes of ideology, media, political myth-making, democracy, power, and the ways ideas shape our understanding of the world.
A thoughtful review can be found here:
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2026/05/21/book-review-the-cultural-marxism-conspiracy-why-the-right-blames-the-frankfurt-school-for-the-decline-of-the-west-a-j-a-woods/
There have also been several recent interviews and discussions with A.J.A. Woods for anyone wanting a shorter introduction before reading.
As always, you don’t need to read the book to join us (though it helps!). You’re equally welcome to come along after watching the video below, bringing your questions, curiosities, disagreements, or experiences. This is a friendly, accessible discussion group and no prior knowledge is expected.
We’re not looking for everyone to agree — we’re interested in exploring ideas together. Why have these concepts become so influential? What do they tell us about contemporary politics? Why have they resonated with so many people? And what perspectives might be missing from the debate?
The book is available in paperback and Kindle (not yet on audio, although Alexa devices can read Kindle books aloud).
All welcome.
Watch the video below for an accessible introduction to the book and its central arguments:
Our next book club takes place on Wednesday 17 June, 7pm, and we’ll be discussing the much-anticipated new book The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West by A.J.A. Woods.
You may have come across phrases such as “Cultural Marxism,” “postmodern neo-Marxism,” “wokeness,” or “critical theory” in political debates and wondered where they came from. This book explores the history of those ideas and narratives, and why they have become so influential in contemporary culture and politics.
At its heart, the book examines the conspiracy theory of “Cultural Marxism”—the claim that a group of left-wing intellectuals, particularly those associated with the Frankfurt School, deliberately sought to undermine Western values and institutions from within. Woods traces the origins and development of this idea, showing how it evolved from a fringe theory into a powerful feature of contemporary political discourse.
The book also explores how these narratives have been promoted by commentators, influencers, media outlets and political movements, helping to shape debates around identity, education, free speech, culture, and social change. Along the way it touches on themes of ideology, media, political myth-making, democracy, power, and the ways ideas shape our understanding of the world.
A thoughtful review can be found here:
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsereviewofbooks/2026/05/21/book-review-the-cultural-marxism-conspiracy-why-the-right-blames-the-frankfurt-school-for-the-decline-of-the-west-a-j-a-woods/
There have also been several recent interviews and discussions with A.J.A. Woods for anyone wanting a shorter introduction before reading.
As always, you don’t need to read the book to join us (though it helps!). You’re equally welcome to come along after watching the video below, bringing your questions, curiosities, disagreements, or experiences. This is a friendly, accessible discussion group and no prior knowledge is expected.
We’re not looking for everyone to agree — we’re interested in exploring ideas together. Why have these concepts become so influential? What do they tell us about contemporary politics? Why have they resonated with so many people? And what perspectives might be missing from the debate?
The book is available in paperback and Kindle (not yet on audio, although Alexa devices can read Kindle books aloud).
All welcome.
Watch the video below for an accessible introduction to the book and its central arguments:
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The Bay Horse Inn, Totnes, United Kingdom
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Host or PublisherTotnes Left
