Harry Pollitt Quote

On being asked by Mr Stephen Spender in the 1930s how best a poet could serve the Communist cause:

Go to Spain and get killed. The movement needs a Byron.


Attributed in: Out of Order (Robson Books, 1982) by Frank Johnson. Also in: in The Listener, 1966. Variation: "Go and get killed, comrade, we need a Byron in the movement."


Go to Spain and get killed. The movement needs a Byron.

Go to Spain and get killed. The movement needs a Byron.

Go to Spain and get killed. The movement needs a Byron.

Go to Spain and get killed. The movement needs a Byron.