Utopia and reality; : a collective portrait of American socialists

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The Resource Utopia and reality; : a collective portrait of American socialists

Summary: Based on the tape-recorded reminiscences of 34 former and present leaders of the Socialist Party of America, this book adds a new dimension to the understanding of American socialism. By quoting and interpreting the views of the leaders she interviewed, Betty Yorburg reveals the significance of the movement in the lives of its adherents. They describe in their own words how they came to join the Party and how Party membership changed their lives; they give their views on themselves and the world in which they live, and their opinion of why socialism failed in America. The change in attitude toward the Party among successively younger groups of leaders revealed in their comments provides fresh insight into the gradual decline of the Party's formal political activity. The author points out and analyzes trends and differences in the thinking of the three generations of leaders whom she interviewed and interprets these differences in terms of certain changes in American society during the 20th century. She also sketches the social setting of American political protest in the twentieth century and outlines the rise of the Socialist Party. The book concludes with a treatment of current views on socialism and its probable future, especially in relation to political movements and major problems of society.--Adapted from book jacket

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Context of Utopia and reality; : a collective portrait of American socialists