Notable Individuals of British Communism, 1886-1997 - Key Data

At its peak, the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) had tens of thousands of dedicated activists fighting to bring sweeping change across Britain. These activists penetrated nearly all areas of British society, from industry and trade unions to colonial administration and academia. Convinced of the righteousness of their cause, these activists showed great enthusiasm and fierce determination in advancing the struggle for socialism.

This collection is drawn from the personal papers of a multitude of CPGB activists throughout the twentieth century. This includes those at the heart of party (such as full-time "national organisers") and peripheral figures who supported the communist cause (such as Labour MP Dennis Nowell Pritt). Covering over a hundred years, from the communist movement’s earliest sprouting’s to its nadir in the late twentieth century, the collection offers valuable insights into the grassroots efforts of almost one hundred communist activists and sympathisers.

The collection is accompanied by three contextual essays written by Kevin Morgan.