TAMIL
On proletarian revolution
SE. GANESALINGAN
ULAGAI KULUKIKIA PATHTHU NAATKAL: By John Reed; Translated by R. Krishnaiah; Published by New Century Book House Pvt. Ltd, 41B, Sidco Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai 600098. Price Rs.350.
THIS IS a translation of American journalist-author John Reed’s Ten Days that Shook the World on the Russian October Revolution of 1917 led by V.I. Lenin. During the revolution, he was in Russia but had, unfortunately, died before the book was out.
Published in several languages, the book even now remains a part of the history of the Soviet Union and was commended by Lenin to the workers of the world for getting to know the “proletarian revolution.” Apparently written for the benefit for foreigners, it gives a detailed account of the revolution, the political parties, the atrocities of the monarchy, and the implications of Russia’s involvement in the World War.
Reed speaks of the meetings of various leaders and makes copious references to newspaper reports, documents and even handbills circulated during that period.
His skills as a journalist come across sharply in his interviews with different leaders, his easy-flowing style of writing, and in the way he went about collecting evidence to substantiate his statements. The title of the book tellingly captures how the world reacted to the revolution that saw the working class acquire political power within a short time-span.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
