In this history of radical publishing at the turn of the century,
Elliott Shore focuses on the "Appeal to Reason," the flagship
newspaper of J. A. Wayland's publishing empire. As modern
periodical publishing came of age with the appearance of the first
mass-circulation newspapers and magazines, so too did both populism
and socialism in the United States. They drew strength from the
same factors-the advance of technology, spreading
industrialization, the growth and concentration of urban
populations, and rising literacy rates. In the "Appeal to Reason"
the two powerful and important forces--journalism and
radicalism--came together.
Between 1900 and 1910 the circulation of the "Appeal to Reason"
grew to more than half a million, placing it among the nation's
leading weeklies. Its editors and writers included such prominent
figures of the socialist movement as Eugene Debs and Upton
Sinclair. Published for twenty-five years in Girard, Kansas, it was
the most successful socialist institution in this country, unifying
the movement from coast to coast.
The "Appeal" belongs equally to the history of radicalism and to
the history of journalism. Shore examines it from both
perspectives. He presents the inner workings of the socialist press
and by focusing on Wayland, explores the possibilities of peaceful
but fundamental change at the time when America became a mass
consumer culture.
"In what might be considered a companion piece to Nick
Salvatore's Eugene V. Debs, Shore has written a skillfully
researched, penetratingly interpretive, and handsomely illustrated
biography of Wayland that analyzes the role of the socialist press
during an important period in the history of American
radicalism."--"Journal of American History."
"Shore has provided a wealth of new insights and a plethora of
detail in chronicling not merely the rise and fall of the Appeal to
Reason but also the dramatic life of its founder and guiding light.
. . . An expert in the history of the alternative press, Shore
displays considerable perception in handling this intriguing
subject. . . . He has written a fine, worthwhile book that may help
readers formulate an answer to the question, 'Why is there no
socialism in America?'"--"American Historical Review."
"Was it ultimately a good strategy to try to sell socialism
through the techniques of modern capitalist advertising and
promotion? What happened when socialism was brought into the new
popular culture of consumption and mass media? Shore explores these
fascinating questions in his thoughtful, well-written
book."--"Indiana Magazine of History."
"In examining the only mass circulation socialist newspaper in
America, Shore illuminates the indigenous political and cultural
roots of the socialist movement and aids us in understanding
central aspects of the American political tradition."--Nick
Salvatore, author of "Eugene V. Debs: Citizen and Socialist."
"A sensitive, moving book. Shore's study is a vital chapter in
the history of American literature and journalism as well as
American radicalism-with peculiar relevance to our own
times."--Sean Wilentz, author of "Chants Democratic: New York City
and the Rise of the American Working Class, 1788-1850."
"Concern with the language of politics and the meaning of
cultural messages characterizes this fascinating
book."--"Dissent."
"A considerable contribution, long overdue."--"Journalism
History."
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