Vanguard: A Libertarian Communist Journal, Vol. II - No. 5, October-November, 1935

Published by Vanguard Group, New York, 1935

An issue of this anarchist journal published by the Vanguard Group in NYC, the leading anarcho-communist group of the 1930s. Beginning as the Bronx-based Friends of Freedom in 1929, the group became the Vanguard Group in 1932. The members were composed mostly of Russian Jews, although they also included a Chinese-American, a black homosexual, and a number of Italian and Irish-Americans. The group's theoretical leader was Mark Schmidt ("Senex"), ultimately disliked by many of the members for his authoritarian and rigid personality. The group published Vanguard, organized lecture series, held social events, and established an anarchist library. A split occurred around 1936 and the Challenge group was formed. By the time the U.S. entered the war, Vanguard had dissolved. Some members were involved with the Why? group during the 1940s. This issue features short articles on "War and the Labor Movement," "Counter-Revolution and the Soviet Union," the United Front against fascism, unionism, the W.P.A.; a lengthy theoretical article by Senex (Schmidt) on "The Transitional Period" of "realizing the ideal of libertarian communism"; reports on the AFL convention, the Spanish situation, libertarian prisoners, and the international trade union movement; letters and a book review of Dr. J. A. Maryson's pamphlet, "The Principles of Anarchism." Stapled wrappers (9" x 6"), 24 p. Small split at the spine ends, some wear along the spine and edges, a very good copy. Seller Inventory # 13519

Bibliographic Details

Title: Vanguard: A Libertarian Communist Journal, ...
Publisher: Vanguard Group, New York
Publication Date: 1935
Binding: Soft cover