Anti-Bolshevism and the periodical press in interwar Britain: the case of the Saturday Review, 1933–6

2022/11/04 by David Vessey · 1 voice
Social Sciences · #Australian History and Society #Political and Economic history of UK and US #World Wars: History, Literature, and Impact

paper · doi:10.1093/hisres/htac017

openalex publication_date 2022/11/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Abstract Using the example of the Saturday Review under the ownership of Lady Houston, this article explores how anti-Bolshevism was constituted in interwar Britain, and how the paper embodied the immoderate views of the radical Right, acting as a de facto promotional hub for a multifarious network of disaffected Conservatives. It shows how the Review integrated conspiratorial anti-Bolshevism into editorial argument and ostensible news provision, and how this found an attentive readership for a short-lived period. The article further demonstrates the utility of the periodical press for broadening historians’ engagement with overarching trends in politics and society during the interwar period.

Discussions

• Very grateful to see so many new followers. On the off chance that you’re kicking your heels on Saturday evening, here’s some links to my recent work. This first piece is on the frankly bonkers Saturd [bsky, 5 points, 2 comments]

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