The American Socialist Movement 1897-1912

The American Socialist Party, at the heights of its power, had more than a hundred and fifty thousand members, published hundreds of newspapers, wom almost a million votes for its presidential candidate, elected more than one thousand of its members to political office, secured passage of a considerable body of legislation, won the support of one-third of the American Federation of Labor, and was instrumental in organizing the Industrial Workers of the World.

It counted in its ranks some of the most talented organizers, able thinkers, and colorful personalities of their generation, conducted an immense propaganda effort, and, for a time, multiplied it support and influene at an astounding pace. The rise and decline of the Socialist Party consititues a most important and instructive chapter in American history. Few books have more to offer to the student of the movement than this one.