In Defence of Marxism and Wellred Publications are launching an historic project to republish some of the key writings of Leon Trotsky, many of which have been out of print for some time. The project has the backing of Esteban Volkov (Seva), Leon Trotsky's grandson, and will be carried out with his close collaboration.
We believe that the task of making the writings of Leon Trotsky available to today's youth and labour movement activists is becoming increasingly urgent given the disintegration of Stalinism which has led to a growing interest in Trotskyism.
The project will be launched in the spring of 2004 with the publication of Leon Trotsky's My Life, with a new introduction, and a foreword by Esteban Volkov. We also hope to include a preface by Pierre Broué, the celebrated French Trotskyist historian, who has also expressed a keen interest in the project.
Other titles agreed so far for publication in English include 1905, Permanent Revolution, The History of the Russian Revolution (in three volumes), The Revolution Betrayed, The Case of Leon Trotsky (in two volumes), and other key works.
A major task we have set ourselves is the publication, for the first time, of Trotsky's last book Stalin in a complete and unabridged form. This important work was left unfinished when Trotsky was assassinated. The translator Charles Malamuth issued a version that was heavily edited and included his own comments that did not reflect Trotsky's own opinions. We have obtained new material that was omitted from the book and the new edition will be thoroughly re-edited and will contain this material never previously published.
Other titles will be included as the project develops. However, the success of the project depends upon finance. The frequency of publication will depend on the finances generated from sales. The project will be non-profit making. Its sole objective is to ensure the maximum distribution of the writings of Leon Trotsky to workers and youth. All monies from sales will be used to print new titles. But in order to commence publication we urgently need donations from supporters and well-wishers.
We estimate that each title will cost between £5,000 and £10,000. As we have no wealthy backers, the only way of raising funds for the printing of these important works is by appealing to our comrades, readers and friends for help.
We appeal to all well-wishers who want to see this project succeed, to help us raise the necessary funds. For those who have the means, we would urge you to consider sponsoring the publication of a title. All other donations - big and small - will be welcome, and all will be duly acknowledged.
Credit card payments can be made by entering the amount you wish to donate below.
You can also make a donation by post. Send cheques (from Britain) or
International Money Orders (from the rest of the world) to:
Wellred Books, PO Box 2626, London N1 7SQ, England
Make the cheques/money orders payable to "Wellred Books" and add a note explaining that it is a donation for the Trotsky publication project.
In the USA only make the cheques payable to Wellred and send to:
Wellred, PO Box 1331 Fargo, ND 58107
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email us at contact@marxist.com
We look forward to your help in this historic project!
London, October 2003.
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