Martyrs of the Early American Left: Inez Milholland, Randolph Bourne and John Reed

by Robert C. Cottrell

Overview

Intertwining the stories of three leading early twentieth century radical Americans, this book presents the enthralling tale of the too-short lives of Inez Milholland, Randolph Bourne, and John Reed. It highlights the movements and personal experiences that drew such privileged individuals to the American left, willing to sacrifice comfortable circumstances and opportunities.

As writers and activists, the trio became leading spokespersons for feminism, sexual liberation, unions, civil liberties, pacifism, internationalism, socialism, anarchism, and, in Reed's case, communism. Challenging capitalism, patriarchy, and the nation-state, the independently-minded Milholland, Bourne, and Reed possessed a twofold commitment to personal liberation and community. With their early deaths, they left behind personal models for acting, living, and thinking afresh. One could say they became martyrs to the very movements they championed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476649221
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	04/12/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	309
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

A professor emeritus of history and American studies at California State University, Chico, Robert C. Cottrell is the author of more than twenty books, including studies of the counterculture, the year 1968, American radicalism, black baseball and the World War II smokejumpers.
A professor emeritus of history and American studies at California State University, Chico, Robert C. Cottrell is the author of more than twenty books, including studies of the counterculture, the year 1968, American radicalism, black baseball and the World War II smokejumpers.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
 1. Vassar Girl Suffragist
 2. A Man of Letters
 3. A Poet Singing Nothing but Joy
 4. An American Renaissance
 5. The Unanticipated Marriage
 6. Thirteen Months in Europe
 7. Riding with the Revolution
 8. Keeping Faith with the Cause
 9. The Lyrical Left’s Response to World War I
10. Joining The New Republic
11. The Peace Crusade
12. The Eastern Front
13. The Death of a Feminist Martyr
14. Frustrated Love and Transnationalism
15. The Love of His Life
16. The War to Make the World Safe for Democracy
17. The Bolshevik Revolution
18. “America in 1918”
19. War’s End
20. An American in Communist Russia
21. Three American Martyrs
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A well-researched, well-written biography...recommended”—Choice

From the Publisher