Martyrs of the Early American Left

<p> Intertwining the stories of three leading early twentieth century radical Americans this book presents the enthralling tale of the too-short lives of Inez Milholland Randolph Bourne and John Reed. It highlights the movements and personal experiences that drew such privileged individuals to the American left willing to sacrifice comfortable circumstances and opportunities.</p><p> As writers and activists the trio became leading spokespersons for feminism sexual liberation unions civil liberties pacifism internationalism socialism anarchism and in Reed's case communism. Challenging capitalism patriarchy and the nation-state the independently-minded Milholland Bourne and Reed possessed a twofold commitment to personal liberation and community. With their early deaths they left behind personal models for acting living and thinking afresh. One could say they became martyrs to the very movements they championed.</p>