Description
Contains correspondence, writings, clippings, programs, brochures and ephemera, concerning the life and career of Anna Strunsky
Walling. Correspondence is with friends and associates in the social and political movements in which she was active, including
Emma Goldman, Jack London, Selig Perlman, and Upton Sinclair. Writings include manuscripts of her book "Violette of Père Lachaise,"
articles and speeches addressing the social revolution and a microfilm copy of "Revolutionary lives: Russia-1906." Also includes
correspondence of her husband William English Walling including a letter from Upton Sinclair, and their daughter Rosamond
Walling.
Background
Anna Strunsky Walling was born in Babinots, Russia, March 21, 1877. She emigrated with her family to the United States at
the age of nine, residing in New York City. In 1893 the family relocated to San Francisco, where Anna joined the Socialist
Labor Party at the age of 16(?), and remained committed to socialism her entire life. Between 1896 and 1898 Anna studied at
Stanford University and in 1903 published her first book, The Kempton-Wace Letters, co-authored with her close friend Jack London. In 1906 Anna and her sister Rose joined William English Walling in Russia
as correspondents for his revolutionary news bureau. From February 6th to February 8th of that year Anna reported on the Homel,
Russia massacre. Anna and William married in Paris on June 28th, 1906. Returning to the United States at the end of the year,
Anna continued to work on her writing. Her second book, Violette of Père Lachaise, was published in 1919. Anna and William divorced in 1932, William having secured the paperwork in Mexico. Anna, ever committed
to socialist ideals, continued to write and lecture for the remainder of her life. She died on February 25th, 1964 in New
York. She was survived by her four children.
Extent
Number of containers: 2 boxes
Linear feet: 0.6
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library.
Availability
Collection is open for research.