Review of "In an era of wars and revolutions"

Submitted by AWL on 15 January, 2014 - 9:32

Ed Strauss joined the YSL in 1954

When I first opened “In the era of wars and revolutions”, I was taken back sixty years, seeing again cartoons published by the Workers Party/Independent Socialist League (ISL) in its paper, Labor Action, which I always looked forward to receiving.

But this not a simple reminiscence. I was struck again by the special power and sharp lessons taught by these cartoons. It is much more than a simple cartoon book. It is an excellent textbook on the history of revolutionary socialism between the mid-1920s and mid-1950s. The introduction is most moving and the historical timeline section complements the thirteen topical chapters. These group the cartoons, with their accompanying dates and explanations, putting them in historical and political context. While they reflect a particular time and struggle, they remain fully relevant today.

Sean Matgamna has done an excellent and imaginative job overall. He closes the introduction with a powerful and moving poem on the Irish national and social struggle.


Marty Oppenheimer (joined the Young Socialist League, the youth wing of the ISL, in 1956)

I’ve looked at the first few pages, and this is terrific stuff! I’m looking forward to relaxing with a couple of glasses of red (of course!) wine and enjoying (when I don’t cry) some really wonderful political art.

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