Sherry Mangan
Sherry Mangan, born John Joseph Mangan in 1904 in Lynn, Massachusetts, was an influential figure in American literature and journalism. Raised in a privileged New England household, he graduated from Harvard University in 1925, where he developed a passion for poetry and engaged with the literary community. Mangan initially enjoyed a promising literary career, publishing in esteemed magazines and co-founding a literary journal. However, the 1930s brought significant challenges, including the death of his father and financial struggles, which led him to work as a printer and become involved with socialist ideologies.
By 1937, Mangan emerged as a prominent Trotskyist, contributing to the Socialist Workers Party and writing for its publication, Socialist Appeal. His political engagement continued during his time in Paris, where he worked as a correspondent for American magazines and used his linguistic skills to coordinate among various socialist factions. Mangan's contributions during this period included aiding French Trotskyists in their resistance efforts prior to World War II. After the war, he faced difficulties in employment and personal challenges, yet he continued to write poetry until his death in 1961. While Mangan authored several poetry collections, he is primarily remembered for his impactful journalism and commitment to socialist causes.
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Sherry Mangan
Writer
- Born: July 27, 1904
- Birthplace: Lynn, Massachusetts
- Died: June 24, 1961
- Place of death: Rome, Italy
Biography
John Joseph Sherry Mangan was born in 1904 in Lynn, Massachusetts. Mangan grew up in a wealthy New England household in which he was given much attention by his parents, as he was an only child. In 1925 Mangan graduated from Harvard University, where he studied numerous languages and became well versed in the classics.
While at Harvard, Mangan began writing poetry and was introduced into the Harvard literary scene. After graduation, Mangan worked to make a name for himself. He published poems and essays in magazines such as Poetry, The New Review, and others. He even helped found Larus—the Celestial Visitor, a short-lived magazine.
While the 1920’s were good to Mangan, the 1930’s left much to be desired. Mangan’s father died and the money ran out, and he was forced to work as a printer and designer for a small printing press. It was during this time that he was introduced to the socialist ideology. He became a rather well known Trotskyist by 1937. He helped establish the Socialist Workers Party and wrote for their Socialist Appeal which spread Trotskyist ideals.
In 1938 Manga relocated to Paris and settled down. He took a job as a writer and correspondent for Time and Life magazines in the United States. He maintained a rather successful career as a journalist, describing the situation of French politics to American readers. At the same time, Mangan continued his work as a Trotskyist. His knowledge of multiple languages had him coordinating and communicating between different groups and members.
It is believed that Mangan even helped Paris and the French Trotskyists prepare for resistance work prior to World War II. During and following the war, Mangan spent his time traveling the United States, Europe, and South America. Following the war, the difficulty of finding work, the disorganization of the Trotskyist movement, and mental health issues began to weigh heavy on Mangan.
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Mangan took to writing poetry in his spare time, until his death in 1961. While he had written books and poetry collections such as No Apology for Poetrie and Other Poems Written 1922-1931 (1934) and Salutation to Valediction (1938), Mangan is primarily remembered for his work as a journalist.