'An Unpopular Cause' Book Launch, Talk and Exhibition

Joint event: Society for Co-operation in Russian & Soviet Studies (SCRSS) and Marx Memorial Library at the SCRSS centre in London.
Jane Rosen is an SCRSS Trustee and the author of the Society's new history, published in July 2024. An Unpopular Cause: A Centenary History of the Society for Cultural Relations with the USSR 1924-2024 is a highly readable illustrated history of the work the Society has carried out over the past 100 years, covering its important yet underrated role in the field of British-Soviet relations. Founded seven years after the October Russian Revolution, the SCR was formed by a group of like-minded intellectuals across the arts, humanities and sciences who were interested in the social developments taking place in this new country, the USSR. The book follows the history of the Society from the 1920s as diplomatic relations were established, dissolved and then reformed; its important work during the Second World War; the difficulties it faced during the Cold War and beyond; and, finally, how it adapted to the break-up of the Soviet Union.
In her short talk, Jane Rosen will outline the challenges, highlights and connections made during her five years of researching and seven months of writing An Unpopular Cause. As a librarian and independent researcher with an interest in the Soviet Union, who was SCR Librarian in the 1980s-90s and is now its Honorary Archivist, she recognised the importance of the Society's unique Archive to the study of Anglo-Soviet cultural relations. Not only as a resource on the British attitude to the Cold War, British spying, the role of NGOs and attitudes to the USSR in wartime, but also on the network of progressive individuals in the Society (including such names as Paul Robeson) who helped promote knowledge of and exchanges with the Soviet Union in the areas of film, education, science, music, chess, literature, law, and more. Previous articles and books on the SCR published externally have been written by those who grew up during the Cold War, or had the Cold War perspective central to their research. Jane's history addresses the Society's history from a different angle - from within the organisation and with a supportive, but not uncritical, view of its purpose and successes.
The talk will be followed by a booksigning session with a glass of fizz (non-alcoholic refreshments also available). Book purchases @ £15 can be made by debit / credit card or cash.
There will also be the opportunity to view the Society's new exhibition A Centenary History of the SCRSS in 100+ Objects with exhibits (photographs, publications and rare artefacts) from the Society's archives.
Please note: pre-booking on Eventbrite is essential.
An Unpopular Cause: A Centenary History of the Society for Cultural Relations with the USSR 1924-2024 by Jane Rosen (SCRSS, 2024, Paperback, 176pp, 24 colour plates, £15)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Society For Co-operation In Russian & Soviet Studies Ltd, 320 Brixton Road, London, United Kingdom