"ONLY ON THE BASIS OF SOCIALISM IS THE POSSIBILITY CREATED FOR THE FULL AND EQUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEGRO PEOPLE"

FORD, James W. and ALLEN, James S. The Negroes in a Soviet America. (New York: Workers Library, 1935). Slim octavo, staple-bound as issued, original pictorial paper self-wrappers; pp. 47. $375.

First edition of this political pamphlet encouraging African Americans to align themselves with socialism.

During the early decades of the Soviet Union, many left-aligned activists argued that embracing Soviet-style socialism was the surest pathway to liberation for oppressed populations. Indeed, many equal rights activists and allies believed that African Americans could improve their circumstances by recasting their struggle as class-based. The Negroes in a Soviet America argues that oppression is the natural consequence of capitalism and that African Americans would be best served to fight for class equality under socialism as a means of achieving full equality—including within their own community. Pencil owner inscription of John W. Ball, an anti-segregation activist, on the front wrapper. A few spots of pencil underlining.

Light scattered soiling to interior, mild rubbing and toning to extremities of fragile self-wrappers. An extremely good copy.