Jonathan Emmesedi

The racially mixed , smartly dressed browsers of progressive books in this 1938 photograph seem to be living out the CPUSA slogan of that time, "Communism is Twentieth Century Americanism"; note the "Harvard Communist" in the lower right hand quarter of the picture, the nearby collection box for aid for Spain, and the photograph of volunteers who were fighting for the Spanish Republican cause.

The following year's cynically concluded Hitler-Stalin pact and the anticommunism of the postwar decades dealt the US left blows from which it has never fully recovered.

I wonder about the various fates of the individuals pictured here.

#USHistory #PeoplesFront #PopularFront #CPUSA #Books #USPolitics #USLeft

Jul 12, 2025 at 8:55pmWeb
Show threadAltbotJul 12, 2025

@jemmesedi The image depicts a scene inside a bookstore, likely from the mid-20th century, based on the clothing and interior design. The photograph is in black and white, adding to its historical feel. Several individuals are gathered around a bookshelf, engaged in conversation and browsing. The people are dressed in attire typical of the era, including hats, coats, and suits. The bookshelves are filled with books, and there are visible signs and posters on the walls, including one that reads "Harvard Communications." The atmosphere appears lively and social, with a focus on the exchange of ideas and the enjoyment of literature. The image captures a moment of community and intellectual engagement within the bookstore.

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