KOLLONTAÏ, Alexandra
Finland and Socialism

Translated for the first time in English, Finland and Socialism is Alexandra Kollontaï’s vivid portrayal of the early years of the socialist movement in Finland. Translated and introduced by Cathy Porter, Kollontaï’s writings on Finland are first-hand reportage and political analysis of workers organising against Tsarist autocracy and capitalist oppression. Originally published in 1906, Finland and Socialism was banned the following year and a warrant was issued for Kollontaï’s arrest.

Kollontaï’s writings give an overview of the early years of socialist history in Finland, in which she played an active role, and provide an almost day-to-day account of the 1905 General Strike, which transformed and democratised the Finnish political landscape. It portrays workers’ solidarity, the formation of the Red Guards, the emergence of new proletarian subjectivities and the bourgeoisie’s betrayal of the democratic political process.

The book is richly illustrated with archival images depicting the early years of workers movements in Finland. [publishers’ note]

Published by Rab-Rab Press, 2025
Design by Ott Kagovere
Essays / Politics