'Yours for the Revolution': Communication and Identity in the Western Clarion

This article describes and analyses one of the most influential socialist newspapers of the early-twentieth century in Canada, the Western Clarion (Vancouver, 1903-25). Emphasis is placed on the selective use of various literary forms to define community interests and popularize the platform of the Socialist Party of Canada, and on how such communication practices shaped and were shaped by the maintenance of identity and group formation. At stake is a more complete record of Canadian literary history as well as a better understanding of literature and the politics of progress during a critical period of nation building.