John G. Wright papers, 1933-1977

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Summary

Creators:
Wright, John G.
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.
Extent:
9 manuscript boxes (3.6 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John G. Wright papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:
Date Event
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
Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1992.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

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.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John G. Wright papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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