POLITICS: ::: JOURNALIST :::
“Reed was a pure spirit, held completely by what his imagination saw. He acted without reserve and had no prudence. His life was determined by real values. With a gay smile he gave himself to what he saw as beautiful, no matter where it might lead to ostracism, to prison, to death. He did not express himself solemnly, but he lived a life of passionate devotion to the best, as he saw it.”
– Hutchins Hapgood
John Reed, an influential American journalist, poet, and communist activist, had significant ties to Provincetown, Massachusetts, particularly during the summer of 1916. His connection to this iconic location is rooted in both his personal life and his literary career.
Reed was born on October 22, 1887, in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in a wealthy family and received a prestigious education at Harvard University. After graduating in 1910, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in journalism and writing. Reed became known for his radical political views and commitment to social justice issues.
Provincetown provided Reed with a unique opportunity to engage with fellow creatives and explore his artistic endeavors. In the summer of 1916, Reed rented a cottage in Provincetown with his lover Louise Bryant and playwright Eugene O’Neill. This period marked a significant time for Reed as he immersed himself in the bohemian lifestyle that characterized the town.
During his time in Provincetown, Reed worked on various literary projects. He published “Tamburlaine and Other Verses” privately that year and continued to write poetry inspired by his experiences. The atmosphere of creativity in Provincetown influenced Reed’s work significantly.
Moreover, Provincetown served as a backdrop for Reed’s growing political activism. He was deeply involved in socialist movements and anti-war sentiments during World War I. His experiences there helped shape his perspectives on class struggle and social change.
Reed’s connection to Provincetown also extended beyond personal pursuits; it was during this time that he began covering significant historical events such as the Mexican Revolution and later the Russian Revolution. His reporting from these tumultuous times would culminate in his most famous work, “Ten Days That Shook the World,” which documented the October Revolution in Russia.
