Here is an anthology of the best and most representative American writing in the fields of proletarian fiction, poetry, drama, reportage and criticism. It is a milepost in the movement toward the "left" that has characterized the younger and really vital elements in the literature of America since the World War.

In the depression years particularly the theme of proletarian literature has provoked many a literary war. Familiarity with it would have enabled many a critic and friend to dodge the snares set by ignorance.

Here is proletarian literature--the first compilation of its kind--the best that could be chosen by a distinguished editorial board.

This is no haphazard selection. On the contrary, this anthology contains works of a single high level, completely unified, organized with a purpose, and selected by a board of editors. It is a cooperative effort, the creation of a definite period in history, a definite cultural movement.

To recognize the intimate ties between art and the social milieu from which it springs--the theme of Joseph Freeman's brilliant introduction to this volume--does not necessarily transform mediocrity into talent. The authors whose works indicate the scope and excellence of this volume are winning acclaim primarily because they are good artists. But from the fate of a people they derive their stirring themes. Rural life, the factory, New York's streets, the office, the mill town, the south, the west, Jews, Yanks, Irish--these are the locales and characters which enliven proletarian fiction. Joe Hill, Haymarket, lynching, Anacostia Flats--these facets of a civilization rent asunder by a class war which concedes neutrality to none have inspired poet and story-teller and dramatist to come to grips with the stuff of which great art is born. And great art, as this anthology testifies, is being born. Poetry: The section is virtually a dynamic history of radical poetry in America over the past 15 years. Reportage: As vivid as anything to be found in America, chronicling rebellion on the American form, the football game in the Yale Bowl, the march of China's Red Army. Drama: Waiting for Lefty, The Black Pit, Stevedore, They Shall Not Die, outstanding contributions to a theatre which has no "seasons."

The broad grasp of literature and its problems, the rich fibre of the discussions, sensitivity to the esthetic and social implications of the artist's craft--all attest to the fact that Marxist criticism is winning its honored place in the world of letters.

Ten years ago these ideas were patiently and persistently expounded only by a few zealous pioneers. Today new and eloquent voices are raised in behalf of proletarian literature and its ideology. The validity of its premises, the creative scope of the men and women who subscribe to them, are illustrated by this volume, in which are gathered the most vital talents on the American sector. Already the literature of the exploited is a powerful force, consciously and brilliantly guided by its creators towards the remaking of the world.