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From The Socialist newspaper, 29 October 2014
Red Dylan Thomas
Welsh poet Dylan Thomas once said he was a socialist, but a different kind of socialist. Those who knew him were aware of his consistent, ardent favour of a socialist society.
From discussing the annihilation of the ruling classes with his communist friend Bert Trick, through his work for the Ministry of Information in World War Two advocating and explaining the future welfare state, to his lectures, free of charge to the USA's Communist Party in his last days, Dylan always did what he thought was his bit to further the cause.
The Marxist nature of his work is not always as evident, but it is there. From his obvious 1930s work about the depression, to more subtle influences in his later work and the classic The Doctor and the Devils (a fabulous demonstration of class society).
Introduced by Geoff Jones, Red Dylan features superb essays by the late Vic Golightly and the late Victor Paananen about his work and commitment to socialism. Plus an article with a modern take on discovering Dylan Thomas' socialist history by Scott Jones.
Anniversary
It is an essential antidote to the material appearing in the capitalist press commemorating the 100th anniversary of the writer's birth. He was praised by princes and capitalist politicians alike but don't let the ruling class rob him of his radicalism. Read Red Dylan and discover Dylan the red.
Rob Owen, Llanelli/ West Wales Socialist Party
Red Dylan, Dylan Thomas and socialism. £2 plus 10% postage.
Available from Left Books, PO Box 24697, London E11 1YD
020 8988 8789
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
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In The Socialist 29 October 2014:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Millions robbed by greedy bosses
Capitalism - 'the new mediocre'
Record numbers of workers suffering poverty pay
Socialist history
Lessons from history: 1917 Revolution in Russia
Australia: The sacking of a government
International socialist news and analysis
Building a political alternative in Seattle
Socialist Party workplace news
Support FBU pension strikes: Save our fire service
St Mungo's Broadway workers discuss next action
Sheffield recycling workers to start indefinite action
Ritzy workers threatened with redundancy
Fighting for better pay for workers
Wales colleges: Vote 'yes' in pay strike consultation
NASUWT members strike at Swinton High School
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Leicester holds historic People's Budget talks
Southwark Labour demolishes homes
Readers' comments and reviews
Film review: On the streets of Belfast in 1971
Obituary
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