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A review by dtpsweeney
Hammer and Hoe: Alabama Communists During the Great Depression by Robin D.G. Kelley
4.0
A truly excellent, excavating history of the Communist Party and radical politics in Alabama between 1929 and 1941. Who knew that communists had such a strong foothold in Alabama? I’ve lived in Alabama for my entire adult life, and I certainly didn’t. I am deeply familiar with many of the places described in the book, where strikes, study groups, mutual aid collectives, and more are detailed to have formed. I travel these cities and towns and fields so often, and this amazing, radical history has apparently been present all this time, just out of my view. It is surreal and fortifying to establish a connection with the people and movements who precede us through this book. I’m that way, it is a very rewarding read. The book has greatly expanded my view of the amazing people and movements born in Alabama.
One star is deducted because the book is (I must admit) quite dry. Kelley is extremely granular in his accounts of the people, campaigns, and processes involved with the Alabama Communist Party. On the one hand, this is great scholarship: it is a phenomenally detailed record and resource. On the other hand, it makes for pretty dense reading at times, so the book definitely shouldn’t be picked up lightly out of casual interest.
On the whole: it’s excellent, and I’m so glad that I finally read it. If you decide to pick it up, too, just know that it will be a demanding read to get the reward!
One star is deducted because the book is (I must admit) quite dry. Kelley is extremely granular in his accounts of the people, campaigns, and processes involved with the Alabama Communist Party. On the one hand, this is great scholarship: it is a phenomenally detailed record and resource. On the other hand, it makes for pretty dense reading at times, so the book definitely shouldn’t be picked up lightly out of casual interest.
On the whole: it’s excellent, and I’m so glad that I finally read it. If you decide to pick it up, too, just know that it will be a demanding read to get the reward!