The American Communist Movement

US: Cengage Gale, 1992. Paperback. Very Good. From its foundation in 1919, the American Communist party exerted a remarka ble influence on American life for a small, often despised, and sometimes p ersecuted group. Whether the party was seen as a progressive vanguard, a gr oup of misguided idealists, or a serious threat to the nation's security, t he party has attracted more attention from politicians, scholars, and ordin ary citizens than its size or political success would seem to warrant. More than just a political party or program, American communism was for many of its adherents an all embracing way of life. It provided them with a clear explanation of the human condition, a presription for building a better wor ld, a circle of friends and associates who shared ideals and experiences, a nd a number of institutions such as summer camps and labor unions which pro vided a sense of solidarity and affirmation. In The American Communist Move ment: Storming Heaven Itself, Harvey Klehr and John Earl Haynes trace the t urbulent history of American communism as both political party and social m ovement. Drawing on a wealth of research, they follow the party's fortunes from its origin in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, through its hey day during the Depression years, to the gradual decline in the post-World W ar II era. The authors examine the effect of the party's ideas on groups mo re in the mainstream of American politics, as well as the influence of comm unist "popular front" culture on American culture in general. While duly ac knowledging the idealism of many American communists, the authors also take a clear-eyed look at the disturbing aspects of the American communist move.