David Lesser Manuscript
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Abstract
David Lesser was a member of the Communist Party in the 1930s in New York City. This 468 page memoir focuses on his experiences, 1931-1950, including those relating to the 1937 disappearance of communist Juliet Stuart Poyntz.
Historical/Biographical Note
David Lesser was a member of the Communist Party in the 1930s, and resident of New York City. He was also for many years an industrial worker and rank and file union activist. In 1983 he completed an autobiographical typescript which he titled "The Extenders: a true memoir of the actual state of things", which is an idiosyncratic account of his political and personal experiences during the years 1931-1950. Mr. Lesser was much concerned about Soviet KGB (intelligence service) activity directed against the Communist Party. He alleges that Juliet Stuart Poyntz (1886-1937?), an influential communist activist, was murdered by the Soviets, and that he was the last person to see her alive.
Arrangement
Leaves are arranged numerically.
Arranged into one series.
Missing Title
- Container list.
Scope and Content Note
The largest portion of the 468 page typescript is taken up with accounts, charges, and speculation regarding alleged KGB activities and agents, with emphasis on the case of Juliet Stuart Poyntz, which is discussed at some length in chapter five. whichc is titled "The Extenders." There are also accounts of alleged libertinism in the Party, Mr. Lesser's coming of age and romantic experiences, his shop-floor experiences, and his literary aspirations and disappointments.
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Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Any rights (including copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy) held by David Lesser, the creator of this collection, were transferred to New York University in 2006 by Martin Lesser. Permission to publish or reproduce materials in this collection must be secured from the Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archive. Please contact tamiment.wagner@nyu.edu.
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, date; David Lesser Manuscript; TAM 140; box number; folder number;
Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012, New York University Libraries.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by David Lesser in 1989. The accession number associated with this gift is 1989.013.