Overview
During the early Cold War, thousands of Canadians attended events organised by the Canadian-Soviet Friendship Society (CSFS) and subscribed to its publications. The CSFS aimed its messsage at progressive Canadians, hoping to convince them that the USSR was an egalitarian and enlightened state. Attempting to soften, define and redirect the antagonistic narratives of the day, the CSFS story is one of propaganda and persuasion in Cold War Canada. The CSFS was linked to other groups on the Canadian political left and was consistently lead by Canadian communists. For many years, its leader and best known member was the enigmatic Dyson Carter. Raised in a religious family and educated as a scientist, Carter was prolific author of both popular scientific and pro-Soviet books, and for many years was the editor of the CSFS's magazine, Northern Neighbour, subtitled """"Canada's Authorative Independent Magazine Reporting on the U.S.S.R."""" the magazine featured glossy photo spreads of life in the Soviet Union and upbeat articles on science, medicine, cultural life, and visits to the USSR by Canadians. At the height of the Cold War, Carter claimed the magazine reached 10,000 subscribers across Canada. Using previously unavailable archival sources and oral histories, Propaganda and Persuasion looks at the CSFS as a blend of social and political activism, where gender, class and ethnicity linked communities, and ideology had significance.
Full Product Details
Author: Jennifer Anderson
Publisher: University of Manitoba Press
Imprint: University of Manitoba Press
Dimensions:
Width: 15.20cm
, Height: 1.80cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.415kg
ISBN: 9780887557422
ISBN 10: 0887557422
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 30 April 2017
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
The Canadian-Soviet Friendship Society and its forebears were busy in Canada from the 1920s to the late 1980s, with most Canadians knowing very little about them. Jennifer Anderson has woven together a fascinating story of persistent Soviet propaganda activity in Canada and of Canadian fellow travellers who were sincere in their belief that the USSR provided the best answers to the world's ills. Peace movements, ethnic societies, women's organisations, and individuals are drawn into the narrative in fascinating detail.- J.L. Black, Professor Emeritus, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of History, Carleton University.
The Canadian-Soviet Friendship Society and its forebears were busy in Canada from the 1920s to the late 1980s, with most Canadians knowing very little about them. Jennifer Anderson has woven together a fascinating story of persistent Soviet propaganda activity in Canada and of Canadian fellow travellers who were sincere in their belief that the USSR provided the best answers to the world's ills. Peace movements, ethnic societies, women's organisations, and individuals are drawn into the narrative in fascinating detail.— J.L. Black, Professor Emeritus, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of History, Carleton University.
Author Information
Jennifer Anderson is an archivist and historian living in Ottawa-Gatineau.
