What is International Publishers, and what is its primary focus?

International Publishers is a book publishing company based in New York City. It specializes in works related to Marxism, covering subjects such as economics, political science, and history.

What political affiliation has International Publishers historically been associated with?

The firm has a long-standing association with the Communist Party USA and its predecessor organizations.

Can you list the pamphlet publishing imprints that International Publishers has worked with, along with their operational timeframes?

International Publishers has collaborated with several pamphlet publishing imprints, including the Daily Worker Publishing Co. (from 1924 to 1927), Workers Library Publishers (from 1927 to 1945), New Century Publishers (from 1945 to 1963), and New Outlook Publishers (from 1963 to the 2000s).

When was International Publishers established, and who were its founders?

International Publishers was founded in 1924 by Abraham A. Heller and Alexander Trachtenberg.

What was the background of Abraham A. Heller, and how did he contribute financially to International Publishers?

Abraham A. Heller was the radical son of a wealthy jeweler who had business dealings in Paris. He expanded his fortune as the head of the International Oxygen Company, a welding supply firm that operated a trade concession in Soviet Russia during the early 1920s. As a lifelong socialist, Heller provided the initial capital of $50,000 for International Publishers and continually covered its losses for the first 15 years, bringing his total investment to approximately $115,000.

What was Alexander Trachtenberg's role and political affiliation at the time of International Publishers' founding?

Alexander Trachtenberg was a left-wing member of the Socialist Party of America and was associated with the Rand School of Social Science and its publishing house. He joined the Communist movement at the end of 1921 and served as the manager of International Publishers from its inception through the 1940s.

What was the initial capital stock for International Publishers, and how was it structured?

The company was incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000, which was fully paid in by Abraham A. Heller. This stock was subsequently split with Alexander Trachtenberg as compensation for his involvement.

Which law firm was responsible for incorporating International Publishers?

The law firm that handled the incorporation of International Publishers was Hays, St. John & Buckley, located at 43 Exchange Place, which included Arthur Garfield Hays among its partners.

What initial guidance did the Communist Party (then the Workers Party of America) provide for the establishment of International Publishers?

The Communist Party's initial assistance was limited to offering advice and providing addresses of radical bookstores across America.

What specific publishing strategy did Nicholas Dozenberg recommend to Alexander Trachtenberg in June 1924 for International Publishers?

Nicholas Dozenberg advised Trachtenberg to focus on publishing works by popular Russian writers that had not yet been translated into English, such as those by Lenin, Zinoviev, and Radek. He cautioned against competing with Charles H. Kerr & Co., which had already published many standard works by Karl Marx.

What was the "Book Union" program, and when was it launched by International Publishers?

In the fall of 1935, International Publishers launched the "Book Union," a book-buying club designed to offer radical literature to members at discounted prices, modeled after the Book of the Month Club.

What was the first selection offered by the Book Union, and who were its editors?

The first offering from the Book Union was an anthology titled *Proletarian Literature in the United States*. This nearly 400-page collection was edited by Michael Gold, Granville Hicks, Joseph North, and other current or future editors of *The New Masses*.

What were the membership terms and incentives for the Book Union?

Members of the Book Union paid an annual fee of $1 and received a discounted volume monthly. They were obligated to purchase at least two of the twelve selections offered each year, and purchasing four books entitled them to a bonus premium.

How did the Book Union's success compare to similar ventures in other countries?

Despite its competitive pricing, the Book Union did not achieve the same level of success as the Left Book Club, operated by Victor Gollancz Ltd in England, and appears to have been terminated after only a few years.

Who was summoned before the Dies Committee in September 1939, and what was the committee's purpose?

Alexander Trachtenberg, the Secretary and Treasurer of International Publishers, was called before the Dies Committee, officially known as the Special Committee to Investigate Un-American Activities, on September 13, 1939. The committee's purpose was to investigate activities deemed un-American within the United States.

What factors influenced the economic viability of International Publishers importing unbound sheets from abroad?

Trachtenberg estimated that about 10% of International Publishers' books used imported unbound sheets. However, a reduction in import duty rates on bound books had largely diminished the economic advantage of importing unbound sheets.

What were the estimated annual sales and staff size of International Publishers in 1939?

In 1939, International Publishers had estimated annual sales ranging from $75,000 to $80,000 and employed a staff of four people.

What publishing initiative did International Publishers undertake in the 1960s and 1970s to expand its offerings?

During the 1960s and 1970s, International Publishers expanded its publication of affordable trade paperback books under the series title "New World Paperbacks." Some titles even featured this as an alternative company logo.

Which prominent Marxist theorists had their works published in English for the first time by International Publishers during the 1920s?

During the 1920s, International Publishers was responsible for releasing the first English-language editions of significant Marxist theoretical works by authors such as Karl Kautsky, Leon Trotsky, Nikolai Bukharin, and Joseph Stalin.

Can you list some of the specific works by Karl Kautsky that International Publishers published in the 1920s?

International Publishers released several of Karl Kautsky's works in English during the 1920s, including *Foundations of Christianity* (1925), *Are the Jews a Race?* (1926), and *Thomas More and His Utopia* (1927).

What key works by Leon Trotsky were published by International Publishers in the 1920s?

International Publishers issued Leon Trotsky's *Literature and Revolution* in 1925, followed by *Wither England?* and *Wither Russia?* in 1925 and 1926, respectively.

Which of Nikolai Bukharin's influential works were published by International Publishers in the 1920s?

International Publishers released Nikolai Bukharin's *Historical Materialism* in 1925, *The Economic Theory of the Leisure Class* in 1927, and *Imperialism and World Economy* in 1929.

What significant work by Joseph Stalin did International Publishers release in the 1920s?

International Publishers released Joseph Stalin's work titled *Leninism* in 1928.

Describe the collaborative efforts between International Publishers and the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute in Moscow regarding V.I. Lenin's works.

International Publishers worked with the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute in Moscow on multiple projects involving V.I. Lenin's writings. These included an unfinished *Collected Works* project initiated in 1927, a 12-volume *Selected Works* published between 1934 and 1938 in green bindings, and a revised 12-volume *Selected Works* edition released in blue bindings in 1943.

In what major collaborative project did International Publishers participate with British and Soviet publishing houses concerning the works of Marx and Engels?

International Publishers collaborated with Lawrence & Wishart (the publishing house of the Communist Party of Great Britain) and Progress Publishers (Moscow) on the massive, 50-volume *Collected Works* of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. This extensive project commenced in 1975 and was completed in 2004.

What is the significance of John Reed's *Ten Days That Shook the World* in the history of International Publishers?

International Publishers was an early reissuer of John Reed's seminal chronicle of the Russian Revolution, *Ten Days That Shook the World*. Although originally published by Boni & Liveright in 1919, an edition by International Publishers came out in 1926 and has remained a staple in their catalog ever since, except for a period during Joseph Stalin's rule when the book fell out of official favor.

Can you list some of the prominent Communist Party participants whose memoirs have been published by International Publishers?

International Publishers has published memoirs from numerous leading Communist Party figures, including William "Big Bill" Haywood (1929), Nadezhda Krupskaya (1930), William Z. Foster (1937 and 1930), Ella Reeve Bloor (1940), W.E.B. Du Bois (1968), Benjamin J. Davis (1969), John Williamson (1969), William L. Patterson (1971), Hosea Hudson (1972), Elizabeth Gurley Flynn (reissue, 1973), Gil Green (1984), and Angela Davis (paperback reissue, 1988).

Which historian, specializing in African-American history, has had their work published by International Publishers?

Herbert Aptheker, a historian known for his specialization in African-American history, has had his works published by International Publishers.

What is the official website address for International Publishers?

The official website for International Publishers can be found at intpubnyc.com.

What does the image caption describe regarding the original logo of International Publishers?

The image caption describes the original logo of International Publishers, noting that it was used from the firm's establishment in 1924 throughout the decade of the 1930s.

What does the image caption indicate about Alexander Trachtenberg?

The image caption identifies the photograph as Alexander Trachtenberg in Moscow during the Fall of 1922, which was prior to his co-founding and managing International Publishers.

What does the image caption suggest about the 1935 International Publishers annual book catalog?

The image caption indicates that the provided image is the cover of the 1935 annual book catalog published by International Publishers, showcasing their offerings from that year.

What was the "New World Paperbacks" initiative by International Publishers?

"New World Paperbacks" was a program launched by International Publishers during the 1960s and 1970s that focused on publishing inexpensive trade paperback books, with some titles bearing this name as an alternative company logo.

What specific advice did Nicholas Dozenberg give regarding the publication of Karl Marx's works by International Publishers?

Nicholas Dozenberg advised Trachtenberg that Charles H. Kerr & Co. of Chicago had already published many standard titles by Karl Marx, suggesting that this would limit the prospects for successful new editions of the same works by International Publishers.

What was the relationship between International Publishers and the Workers Library Publishers?

Workers Library Publishers was one of the pamphlet publishing imprints that International Publishers worked closely with, operating from 1927 to 1945.

What role did Alexander Trachtenberg play in the early funding and management of International Publishers?

Alexander Trachtenberg was a co-founder of International Publishers and served as its manager from its inception through the 1940s. He also shared in the initial capital stock funding provided by Abraham A. Heller.

What types of publications did International Publishers focus on, as indicated by its specialization?

International Publishers specializes in Marxist works, focusing on the fields of economics, political science, and history.

What is the significance of the *Collected Works* of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels project that International Publishers participated in?

This project, a massive 50-volume undertaking, was a significant collaboration between International Publishers, Lawrence & Wishart, and Progress Publishers. It aimed to compile and publish the complete works of Marx and Engels, spanning from 1975 to 2004.

What is the "Book Union" and how did it function?

The "Book Union" was a radical book-buying circle established by International Publishers in 1935, modeled after the Book of the Month Club. Members paid an annual fee and received discounted books, with an obligation to purchase a minimum number of selections per year.

What specific types of books did Nicholas Dozenberg suggest International Publishers should focus on, rather than reissuing existing works?

Nicholas Dozenberg suggested that International Publishers should concentrate on publishing books written by popular Russian writers that had not yet been translated into English, such as works by Lenin, Zinoviev, and Radek.

How did International Publishers utilize foreign printing arrangements, and what led to a decrease in this practice?

International Publishers used printing arrangements such as exchanging printed sheets with its British sister organization, Lawrence & Wishart, and purchasing unbound sheets from the Soviet Foreign Languages Publishing House. This practice diminished primarily because a reduction in import duty rates on bound books made importing unbound sheets less economically advantageous.

What is the "short description" provided for International Publishers?

The short description provided for International Publishers is "Book publishing firm." This succinctly categorizes the company's primary business.

What does the hatnote at the beginning of the article clarify?

The hatnote at the beginning of the article clarifies that "International Publishers" should not be confused with "International Publisher Ltd." This helps prevent misidentification of the subject.

What is the significance of the "New York Call" in relation to Abraham A. Heller?

Abraham A. Heller, a co-founder of International Publishers, was a significant financial donor to the *New York Call*, which was the New York daily newspaper of the Socialist Party.

What was the "Book Union's" obligation for its members regarding book purchases?

The Book Union obliged its members to purchase a minimum of two selections from the twelve offered during the year. This ensured a baseline commitment from subscribers to the radical book club.

What historical event or period was Alexander Trachtenberg testifying about when he appeared before the Dies Committee in 1939?

During his 1939 testimony before the Dies Committee, Alexander Trachtenberg was questioned about his own history, the funding sources of International Publishers, and the company's relationship with the Communist Party, reflecting the committee's focus on alleged subversive activities during that era.

What are some of the key authors listed in the partial roster of International Publishers' authors?

The partial roster of authors published by International Publishers includes notable figures such as Herbert Aptheker, Angela Davis, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Engels, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Philip S. Foner, Antonio Gramsci, V. I. Lenin, Karl Marx, and Leon Trotsky, among many others.

International Publishers Wiki: International Publishers: A Legacy in Marxist Literature and Political Thought

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What is International Publishers?

A Dedicated Publisher

International Publishers Company, Inc. is a book publishing firm headquartered in New York City. It has carved a distinct niche by specializing in works pertaining to Marxism, encompassing critical texts in economics, political science, and history.^[1]

Ideological Affiliation

The company has maintained a long-standing association with the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) and its predecessor organizations. This connection is further evidenced by its close working relationships with the party's various pamphlet publishing imprints throughout its history, including Daily Worker Publishing Co., Workers Library Publishers, New Century Publishers, and New Outlook Publishers.^[1]

Disseminating Thought

International Publishers plays a vital role in making foundational and contemporary Marxist thought accessible to a broad audience. Its catalog serves as a crucial resource for scholars, students, and activists engaging with socialist theory, political economy, and historical analysis from a specific ideological viewpoint.

Origins: Founding, Funding, and Early Vision

Seed Capital and Founders

International Publishers Company, Inc. was established in 1924. The initial capital of $50,000 was provided by Abraham A. Heller, a figure known for his socialist leanings and significant financial contributions to left-wing causes. Heller, the son of a jeweler with business interests in Paris, had amassed a considerable fortune through the International Oxygen Company, which operated a trade concession in Soviet Russia during the New Economic Policy era.^[1]^[2]

Strategic Partnership

Alexander Trachtenberg, a prominent member of the Socialist Party of America and later a convert to the Communist movement, served as the manager of International Publishers from its inception through the 1940s. Trachtenberg, who had been involved with the Rand School of Social Science and its publishing house, became a key partner in the venture, with the initial stock being split with him as compensation.^[5]

Sustained Investment

Heller's commitment extended beyond the initial investment. According to testimony before the U.S. Congress, Heller continuously covered the company's financial losses for its first 15 years, bringing his total investment to approximately $115,000.^[2] This sustained financial backing was crucial for the firm's survival and development during its formative years.

Historical Context: Evolution and Challenges

Early Direction and Collaboration

The formation of International Publishers was a collaborative effort, with initial guidance provided by the Communist Party (then the Workers Party of America). This support primarily involved offering advice and disseminating contact information for radical bookstores across America.^[8] Nicholas Dozenberg, head of the party's Literature Department, cautioned against duplicating existing publications, such as standard works by Karl Marx already published by Charles H. Kerr & Co., and instead encouraged a focus on translating and publishing works by prominent Russian writers like Lenin, Zinoviev, and Radek.^[8]

The Book Union Initiative

In the autumn of 1935, International Publishers launched the "Book Union," a radical book-buying club modeled after the popular Book of the Month Club. This initiative aimed to make Marxist literature more accessible and affordable. Its first offering was an anthology titled Proletarian Literature in the United States, edited by prominent figures associated with The New Masses. Despite its competitive pricing, the Book Union experienced limited success and was eventually discontinued.^[9]

Scrutiny and Operations

In September 1939, Alexander Trachtenberg was summoned to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives' Special Committee to Investigate Un-American Activities, commonly known as the Dies Committee. During his testimony, Trachtenberg characterized the relationship between International Publishers and the Communist Party as strictly commercial, akin to a "buyer and seller."^[11] The firm utilized external printing services, such as Van Rees Press, and engaged in the exchange of printed sheets with its British counterpart, Lawrence & Wishart, as well as sourcing materials from Moscow.^[12]^[13] Annual sales were estimated at $75,000 to $80,000, supported by a small staff of four.^[15]

Recent Developments

In the 1960s and 1970s, International Publishers expanded its offerings with an affordable line of trade paperback books under the "New World Paperbacks" imprint. This series often featured an alternative company logo, signifying a continued effort to broaden the reach of its publications.

Literary Output: Key Works and Collaborations

Foundational Marxist Texts

International Publishers has been instrumental in disseminating foundational works of Marxist theory in English. During the 1920s, the firm released the first English-language editions of seminal works by figures such as Karl Kautsky (e.g., Foundations of Christianity), Leon Trotsky (e.g., Literature and Revolution), Nikolai Bukharin (e.g., Historical Materialism), and Joseph Stalin (e.g., Leninism).^[16]^[17]^[18]

Collaborative Projects

The publisher engaged in significant collaborative efforts, notably with the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute in Moscow. This partnership led to the publication of V.I. Lenin's Collected Works (an initial project begun in 1927) and multi-volume Selected Works editions in the 1930s and 1940s.^[16]^[17]^[18] Furthermore, International Publishers collaborated with the UK's Lawrence & Wishart and Moscow's Progress Publishers on the monumental 50-volume Collected Works of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, a project completed in 2004.^[19]

Enduring Chronicles and Memoirs

International Publishers was among the first to reissue John Reed's seminal chronicle of the Russian Revolution, Ten Days That Shook the World, in 1926, which has remained a staple in their catalog. The firm has also published numerous memoirs by leading figures within the Communist movement, offering firsthand accounts of historical events and ideological struggles.^[19]

Scholarly Contributions

The press has consistently supported significant historical scholarship, notably publishing the extensive 10-volume History of the Labor Movement in the United States by Philip S. Foner and works by Herbert Aptheker, a historian specializing in African-American history. These contributions underscore the publisher's commitment to documenting and analyzing social and labor movements.

Authors: A Pantheon of Voices

Key Contributors

International Publishers has been the platform for a diverse array of influential thinkers, writers, and activists. Their roster includes foundational figures in Marxist thought, prominent historians, labor leaders, and political figures who have shaped discourse in economics, political science, and history.

Herbert Aptheker
Anthony Bimba
Earl Browder
Alice Childress
Angela Davis
Horace B. Davis
W.E.B. Du Bois
Robert W. Dunn
Frederick Engels
Vera Figner
Sidney Finkelstein

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn
Philip S. Foner
William Z. Foster
Antonio Gramsci
Gus Hall
Jack Hardy
Grace Hutchins
V. I. Lenin
Karl Marx
Scott Nearing

Victor Perlo
William J. Pomeroy
Mike Quin
John Reed
Anna Rochester
Joseph Stalin
Charlotte Todes
Leon Trotsky
Alden Whitman
Henry Winston

Related Entities and Context

Affiliated Organizations

International Publishers has deep roots within the broader landscape of American left-wing and socialist movements. Its history is intertwined with organizations such as the Communist Party USA, and it has published works related to significant historical events and figures within these movements.

Legal and Political Scrutiny

The firm and its associates, particularly Alexander Trachtenberg, faced scrutiny from governmental bodies like the Dies Committee in 1939. This period highlighted the political climate and the challenges faced by publishers operating within the sphere of Marxist and communist thought in the United States.

International Connections

The name "International Publishers" itself suggests a global perspective. The company's collaborations with British and Soviet publishing houses, and its role in translating and distributing works from various international Marxist thinkers, underscore its commitment to an internationalist intellectual tradition.

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References

Special Committee on Un-American Activities, Investigation of Un-American Propaganda Activity in the United States: Appendix â Part IX, First Section. Washington: US Government Printing Office, 1944; pp. 588-591.

V.I. Lenin, Selected Works. In 12 volumes. New York: International Publishers, 1934-1938.

V.I. Lenin, Selected Works. In 12 volumes. New York: International Publishers, 1943.

Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Collected Works. In 50 volumes. New York: International Publishers, 1975-2004.

A full list of references for this article are available at the International Publishers Wikipedia page

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International Publishers

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is International Publishers? ℹ️

🏢 A Dedicated Publisher

🤝 Ideological Affiliation

🌍 Disseminating Thought

Origins: Founding, Funding, and Early Vision 💡

💰 Seed Capital and Founders

🤝 Strategic Partnership

📈 Sustained Investment

Historical Context: Evolution and Challenges 📜

🧭 Early Direction and Collaboration

📚 The Book Union Initiative

🏛️ Scrutiny and Operations

✨ Recent Developments

Literary Output: Key Works and Collaborations 📖

🖋️ Foundational Marxist Texts

🤝 Collaborative Projects

📖 Enduring Chronicles and Memoirs

🏛️ Scholarly Contributions

Authors: A Pantheon of Voices 👥

✍️ Key Contributors

Related Entities and Context 🔗

🏛️ Affiliated Organizations

⚖️ Legal and Political Scrutiny

🌐 International Connections

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is International Publishers?

A Dedicated Publisher

Ideological Affiliation

Disseminating Thought

Origins: Founding, Funding, and Early Vision

Seed Capital and Founders

Strategic Partnership

Sustained Investment

Historical Context: Evolution and Challenges

Early Direction and Collaboration

The Book Union Initiative

Scrutiny and Operations

Recent Developments

Literary Output: Key Works and Collaborations

Foundational Marxist Texts

Collaborative Projects

Enduring Chronicles and Memoirs

Scholarly Contributions

Authors: A Pantheon of Voices

Key Contributors

Related Entities and Context

Affiliated Organizations

Legal and Political Scrutiny

International Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice