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Preferred Citation
Biographical Note
Scope and Content Note
Title: John G. Wright papers
Date (inclusive): 1933-1977
Collection Number: 92033
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
9 manuscript boxes
(3.6 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Speeches and writings, correspondence, resolutions, theses, and notes, relating to Marxian theory, the translation of works
of Leon Trotsky, Trotskyist activities in the United States and abroad, and analysis of the post-World War II Chinese and
Eastern European states.
Creator:
Wright, John G.
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Access
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual
or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1992.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], John G. Wright papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
1902 |
Born as Joseph Vanzler in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in the Russian Empire |
circa 1914 |
Emigrated to the United States |
circa 1920 |
Graduated from Harvard University. Became a professional chemist |
1933 |
Joined the Communist League of America (subsequently Socialist Workers Party) |
1933-1940 |
Literary collaborator and translator of Leon Trotsky |
1939-1956 |
Member, National Committee, Socialist Workers Party |
1956 |
Died in New York City |
Scope and Content Note
John G. Wright (the political and pen name of Joseph Vanzler) was a leader of the Socialist Workers Party of the United States
from the 1930s to the 1950s. Wright was heavily involved with theoretical, journalistic and publishing-house work of the party.
A polyglot, he translated texts from various languages into English for publication. His collaborative work with Leon Trotsky
was of particular significance. Wright translated many of Trotsky's writings into English for the first time. During Trotsky's
period of residence in Mexico at the end of his life (1937-1940), Wright, in New York City, corresponded with him regularly
and, having access to major American academic libraries, provided him with Russian-language research materials to support
his writing projects, especially his biography of Joseph Stalin. The papers thus shed light on Trotsky's literary activities
and on the publishing history of
Stalin. Post-World War II materials in the collection also document debates within the Trotskyist movement on analysis of the Chinese
and Eastern European states, and the internal struggle within the Socialist Workers Party involving the faction led by Bert
Cochran and George Clarke.
The John G. Wright Papers were formerly housed at the Library of Social History in New York City. The Hoover Institution Library
& Archives acquired them in 1992.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Communism -- United States
China
Europe, Eastern
Trotsky, Leon, 1879-1940
Fourth International
Socialist Workers Party