History Extra Podcast: "Hotel Lux: The Guesthouse of World Revolution"
In the episode titled "Hotel Lux: The Guesthouse of World Revolution," featured on the History Extra podcast, host Danny Bird engages in a profound conversation with historian Morris J. Casey about his latest work, Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism's Forgotten Radicals. This detailed exploration delves into the intertwined lives of revolutionaries housed in Moscow's legendary Hotel Lux during the tumultuous 20th century. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of their discussion, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy navigation.
1. Introduction to Hotel Lux and the Podcast Episode
The episode opens with Danny Bird setting the stage for a deep dive into an often-overlooked facet of revolutionary history. He introduces Morris J. Casey’s book, which chronicles the lives of three interconnected families navigating the upheavals of the 20th century from within the walls of Hotel Lux in Moscow. Originally established in the late Russian Empire era, Hotel Lux transformed post-Revolution into a sanctuary for international revolutionaries drawn to the Soviet Union's vision for a better world.
2. Uncovering the Stories of International Revolutionaries
Morris J. Casey shares his intriguing journey into researching Hotel Lux, which began serendipitously during his PhD studies on Irish Women and International Communism. He recounts discovering Joseph Freeman’s 1936 memoir, An American Testament, which detailed Freeman’s life from Ukraine to Moscow, where he resided in Hotel Lux.
Morris J. Casey [01:14]: "I became fixated on who this Irish woman was... and I learned that her real name was May O'Callaghan and she lived in room five of the Hotel Lux."
This initial discovery led Casey to seven years of meticulous research, uncovering not just the stories of May O'Callaghan but also those of other residents, thereby painting a vivid picture of life within the hotel’s walls.
3. The Lived Experiences of Revolutionaries
Casey emphasizes the human aspect of these revolutionaries, highlighting their vulnerabilities and personal struggles amidst grand ideological movements. He shares insights into the lives of individuals like Elise Saborovsky, a Comintern figure involved in the 1936 Brazilian communist insurrection, revealing her personal turmoil and unrequited love.
Morris J. Casey [03:35]: "I found these letters that really showed a woman who was enormously vulnerable during her time in the hotel."
Such narratives illustrate the delicate balance between personal lives and overarching political commitments, providing a nuanced understanding of these historical figures beyond their political personas.
4. Hotel Lux as a Revolutionary Hub
Danny Bird probes into how Hotel Lux evolved into the "headquarters of the world revolution." Casey explains its transformation from a commercial hotel established by the Filipov Baking family to a dormitory for international revolutionaries post-1917 Revolution.
Morris J. Casey [06:29]: "From 1920 onwards, suddenly this hotel... now had the insurrectionaries and people fleeing charges of sedition."
Notable figures like a young Ho Chi Minh and Tito graced its halls, fostering an environment ripe with intellectual fervor and revolutionary zeal. The hotel was not just a residence but a melting pot of ideas, debates, and cultural exchanges.
5. Personal Lives Amid Political Activism
The conversation shifts to the intricate interplay between personal relationships and political activism. Casey delves into how revolutionary ideals shaped and were shaped by the personal lives of the Hotel Lux residents. He narrates the unconventional family setups and relationships that emerged within this microcosm of revolutionaries.
Morris J. Casey [14:26]: "Revolutionary politics gave a legitimation for novel and feminist family projects... it was central to it."
Stories like that of May O'Callaghan and Nellie Cohen, who chose to raise a child together outside traditional norms, underscore the progressive yet challenging nature of their personal lives within the revolutionary framework.
6. Stalin's Purges and the Changing Atmosphere of Hotel Lux
As the 1930s unfolded, Stalin's paranoia and the ensuing purges cast a dark shadow over Hotel Lux. Casey describes the palpable shift from optimistic camaraderie to fear and suspicion among residents.
Morris J. Casey [18:13]: "There was a wing at the back of the hotel... being used as a home for wives and children of the men who've been arrested."
The hotel's transformation mirrored the broader climate of terror, with increased arrests targeting foreign radicals. Personal accounts, like that of Yugoslavian diarist Ervin Cinco, reveal the constant undercurrent of fear and mistrust during this period.
7. The Human Side of Ideological Struggles
Casey underscores the importance of humanizing historical figures often reduced to their political actions. By highlighting intimate stories and relationships, he brings depth to the understanding of their ideological commitments.
Morris J. Casey [21:51]: "It's impossible to really grasp what drew people into that movement... because of course, we see it backwards."
This approach allows listeners to connect with the revolutionaries on a personal level, appreciating their hopes, dreams, and the personal costs borne in the pursuit of political ideals.
8. Lessons from Hotel Lux for Today
Reflecting on the broader implications, Casey suggests that the experiences of Hotel Lux’s residents offer valuable lessons on political idealism, solidarity, and the human costs of ideological struggles. He draws parallels between past and present movements, emphasizing the enduring relevance of questions about resisting hatred and fostering equitable societies.
Morris J. Casey [24:23]: "That generation of revolutionaries asked questions that we are still asking today... how do we build solidarity towards a more just and equitable society?"
These historical insights provide a framework for contemporary movements, highlighting both the aspirations and pitfalls of revolutionary activism.
9. Legacy and Relevance in the 21st Century
Addressing the legacy of the October Revolution and its fading prominence in modern discourse, Casey contends that the personal stories from Hotel Lux remain pertinent. He views his work as a love story that encapsulates the human drive to create a better world, advocating for political hope despite historical setbacks.
Morris J. Casey [26:42]: "I hope you finished the book thinking, there's reason for political hope. There's reason to act as a community and fight for something better."
By reconnecting with the lived experiences of past revolutionaries, Casey believes contemporary society can draw inspiration and maintain a sense of purpose in ongoing struggles for justice.
10. Personal Inspirations and Conclusions
In the concluding segment, Casey reflects on how researching the everyday lives of Hotel Lux’s residents has profoundly influenced his perspective. He emphasizes the importance of telling human stories to capture the essence of historical movements.
Morris J. Casey [28:31]: "It showed that many different elements go into building this kind of grand project, and people found value and meaning even in those different kind of minor operations in the grander dream."
Casey expresses hope that his work will inspire others to uncover and narrate the stories of unsung individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping history, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive historical narrative.
Conclusion
The podcast episode "Hotel Lux: The Guesthouse of World Revolution" offers a captivating exploration of the personal and political lives of revolutionaries housed in Moscow's Hotel Lux. Through Morris J. Casey’s meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the complex interplay between personal relationships and ideological commitments. The episode not only sheds light on a critical but often overlooked chapter of history but also imparts enduring lessons on the nature of political idealism and the human spirit’s resilience. Whether one is a history enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode provides valuable insights into the nuanced human dimensions of revolutionary movements.