Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 331.110973
EAN num: 9780916180010
ISBN number: 0916180018
Label: United Electrical,Radio&Machine Workers of America
Manufacturer: United Electrical,Radio&Machine Workers of America
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 380
Printing Date: 1955-06
Publishing house: United Electrical,Radio&Machine Workers of America
Sale Popularity Level: 633150
Studio: United Electrical,Radio&Machine Workers of America
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Rated by buyers -
This book is a corrective to conventional histories of America that often fail to give due attention to the long struggle that led to improvement in the condition of working people in America. When I very first read it I was drawn in by the opening chapter, in which the authors describe how Southern pro-slavery writers linked abolition to miscegenation, free love and communism, and how the South hoped to introduce slavery into the north and the territories. The authors point out that slave labor was one of the obstacles to the progress of free laborers. One of the most important themes of this book is that the issues of race and of commumism have been used to divide workers and prevent them from organizing. The book was co-written by an historian and an attorney for the United Electrical Workers (UEW), which was broken up by the federal government because of alleged communist influence. The writers are not afraid of the issue of socialism and communism and accuse the government of thought control, referring to laws that were passed in the 1950's against communist influence in labor unions (and in every area of political life). I have seen criticisms of this work which claim that it is biased and inaccurate, siding in many matters of historical controversy, such as the Sacco-Vanzetti case, the Molly Maguires, and the Haymarket bombings, with the labor point of view and ignoring contrary evidence. In fact it is lively and stimulating reading, and does illuminate parts of our history that aren't much written of. I think its historical accuracy holds up pretty well. Our political life has been in a sense neutered, since the 1950's, by the insistence of the government on driving the very mention of socialism from the realms of political respectability. We are the poorer for this. I recommend this book and I. F. Stone's The Haunted Fifties and a Glance at the Startling Sixties to those who really want a good account of a dissenting view, one that has nearly vanished from public discourse.
Rated by buyers -
This is a gripping, eye-opening, well-documented account of the American labor movement from its beginnings through to the mid-1950s. It brings alive the great figures and achievements of working class struggle that have been distorted by or excised from mainstream histories. Highly recommended for anyone who has read "A People's History of the United States" and wants to know more.
Sadly, the book pussyfoots around the important role of communists in the labor movement, and almost totally erases the contributions of anarchists-- mentioning Sacco and Vanzetti's political convictions only in passing, and completely eliding the fact that Albert Parsons and other Haymarket martyrs were anarchists. Also, it ends on a rather pat and rosy note of hope that the then (1955) newly-formed AFL-CIO would rally American labor to even greater achievements. Thus it offers few lessons for the routed, coopted labor movement of today. Important conclusions about internal democracy and autonomy that could have been drawn from labor's defeat are left to readers to draw for themselves.
One more thing--
Notice that those reviewers who paint this book as 'biased' don't actually endeavor to refute any of the factual matter Boyer and Morais bring to light. Having a point of view is no crime, in fact it clarifies debate to state your allegiances and conviction in the open, as the authors do. Attempting to conceal bias behind a facade of objectivity, as mainstream textbooks and news sources do, is what ought to be called into question.
Rated by buyers 
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This is the other side of U.S. history not covered in mainstream textbooks: a people's history. Very readable, it will probably make you angry that you were never taught this history in school. It will probably make you angry that so few people know or remember this history that it is never discussed. Or it will make you angry, if your politics are right-wing, that this book makes labor history available to anyone who likes to read fascinating, real, and previously hidden accounts of civil conflict in our nation throughout the age of industry.
Rated by buyers -
With a smooth, fluid style the writers reveal the roots and fruit of labor struggle over a period of 100 years. Some may try to criticize this book as being written from a left wing perspective. However, that argument quickly loses any meaning when you consider that concepts like participatory democracy and human/labor rights are inherently liberal/left wing concepts. All of that aside this is a fascinating book that not only is brave enough to look at controversial figures, but balanced enough to also provide criticisms where they are due. Overall the most important aspect of this book is in returning proper perspective to understand the labor struggle in its rightful place as a radical, progressive, people's movement.
Rated by buyers -
The right-wing reviewers who gave this book a one star, did not read this book. This is REAL history about working Americans and our struggles for economic justice. Just like today, (Enron, Worldcom should ring a bell) there were ruthless,greedy corporations who treated their employees like slaves. "Labor's Untold Story" is a must for union activists, anti-globalization protestors and other independent thinkers who want to get the true stories of labor's past battles.
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