Joel A Lewis Youth Against Fascism.pdf

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing a book is in many ways a test of the human will; it is a journey into unexplored
territory wrought with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is easy for the historian to
become despondent, panicked and disillusioned. My own personal journey has been
beset with challenges, but key individuals have collectively fostered my intellectual
development while keeping me human and smiling along the way.
I wish to first thank a number of my colleagues. James A. Schmiechen has been both
a mentor and a dear friend, guiding my work and growth for years. No amount of words
can express my deep gratitude and respect for him. Eric Johnson has inspired me to press
forward on days when I wanted to retreat. Stephen Scherer has taught me that there need
be no contradiction between being a dedicated scholar and a fully developed human
being. Susan Pyecroft first inspired my interest in history and encouraged me in my first
study abroad program. Her intellectual and human capacity knows no bounds. John
Dinse has been my intellectual mentor since I was just a teen, providing the inspiration
and support that has guided every step of my academic life. W. Hamish Fraser opened
up new perspectives on working-class and Scottish radicalism to me. It is a true honor to
know Hamish as both an advisor and a friend. Fraser Ottanelli's groundbreaking work on
the CPUSA stimulated my initial interest in the history of American communism. His
gifted insights and methodologies have deeply influenced and in many ways defined my
own perspectives on political radicalism in the inter-war period. Tim O'Neil's poignant
critiques have been vital in identifying and correcting my own "incorrect" interpretations.
Tim Hall provided the faith, funding and advisement that made this research possible.
A special thanks needs to be addressed to a number of present and past members of
the graduate student bodies and staff at Central Michigan University and the University
of Strathclyde. Robert Hendershot, Angela Bartie, Andrew Devenney, Matt McCabe,
Hilary Young, David Walker, Christopher Powell, Jennifer Cavalli, Tom Berney, Lori
Tapia, Jared Klackle, Abbey Cullen, Emily Doerr, Kevin Alt, Jennifer Dowie, Jo Aspinwall,
Alison Armour, Annette Davis and Bettie Ricolo have provided the endless comradery,
laughter, and intellectual support vital to progress in all facets of my life.
I am deeply indebted to a number of archivists, academics and unofficial advisors who
both inspired and enabled this research. In particular, I would like to give a deep thanks
to Audrey Canning, John Powles, Janis McNair, Carole McCallum, Steven Bird, Alain
Kahan and Patrick Ward for their patience, expertise and welcoming demeanor. The
special collections staff at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and the
Reference Center for Marxist Studies also provided invaluable assistance to me. Alistair