Esperanto and languages of internationalism in revolutionary Russia: by Brigid O'Keeffe, London, Bloomsbury Academic, 2021, 266 pp., £75.50 (Paperback), £26.09 (Hardback), £61.20 (eBook-PDF), ISBN 9781350160651; ISBN 9781350245181; ISBN 9781350160668

"Esperanto and Languages of Internationalism in Revolutionary Russia" by Brigid O'Keeffe is a comprehensive study that challenges the perception of constructed languages like Esperanto as mere hobbies or grandiose schemes. The book explores the history of Esperantism in Russia, from its origins in Zamenhof's early life and Jewish heritage to its fate under Stalin. O'Keeffe argues that Esperanto was seen by early Soviet Esperantists as a means of communication across the diverse peoples of the Russian Empire and as a tool for international socialism. However, the language ultimately faced opposition and persecution under Stalinism, leading to its decline. This book provides valuable insights into the ideas surrounding globalization in the early 20th century and offers a detailed analysis of Esperantism in Revolutionary Russia. [Extracted from the article]