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interests / alt.usage.english / Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors

Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors

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From: HenHanna@devnull.tb (HenHanna)
Newsgroups: alt.literature,sci.lang,alt.usage.english
Subject: Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of
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by: HenHanna - Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:19 UTC

Jack London (1876 -- 1916)

Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors:

-- Socialist themes: London was a vocal advocate for socialism
and workers' rights, which resonated with the communist ideology of the
Soviet Union. His works like "The Iron Heel" depicting a dystopian
capitalist society fit well with the Soviet narrative.

-- Struggle for survival: Many of London's most famous stories,
like "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang," depict characters battling
the harsh elements and social Darwinist struggles. This resonated
with the hardships faced by the Russian people, especially during the
revolutions and early Soviet period.

-- Everyman's hero: London's protagonists often rose from humble
beginnings, overcoming challenges through strength and resilience. This
appealed to the Russian desire for heroes who embodied the spirit of the
common people.

-- Accessibility: Unlike some complex literary works, London's
adventure stories were known for their straightforward prose and
exciting narratives, making them widely accessible to Russian readers.

It's interesting to note that some of London's views, like his
occasional racial stereotypes, wouldn't be considered acceptable today.

However, during his time, his socialist leanings and focus on the
underdog made him a popular figure in Soviet Russia, even for leader
Vladimir Lenin.

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Subject: Re: Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors
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by: HenHanna - Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:39 UTC

Edmund Wilson was into Russian, etc.

and... Wasn't H.G. Wells a sucker for Russian women?

There's some truth to that! H.G. Wells did have a passionate relationship with a Russian woman named Moura Budberg.

Here's the breakdown:

The Relationship: Wells met Budberg during a visit to Russia in 1920. He was already a famous author, while Budberg was a fascinating woman with a complex past (possibly even a spy). They became lovers, despite a significant age difference (Wells was much older).

The Allure: There's no single reason for Wells' infatuation. Budberg's intelligence, multilingualism, and connection to Russian social circles likely played a role.

Beyond Romance: The relationship wasn't all smooth sailing. Some believe Budberg used Wells to gather information, while others see a genuine connection. Regardless, their affair lasted for several years.

So, while "sucker" might be a strong term, H.G. Wells was certainly captivated by Moura Budberg.

This relationship even influenced some of his writings.

Subject	Author
Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors	HenHanna
Re: Jack London's popularity in Russia stemmed from a confluence of factors	HenHanna