Clarke, John S. (John Smith)

1885

1959

Article by Gordon Munro, Citizen/Campaign for Socialism website, Jan. 9, 2007: John S. Clarke, known affectionately as John S.; b. 1885 to a "gypsy family" with living and historical connections with the circus, and personally worked as a lion tamer; became interested in socialist politics and was active in the Socialist Labour Party; settled in Edinburgh in 1910 and worked as editor of "The reform journal"; served in Parliament 1929-1931 as a member of the Labor Party; continued to work as a journalist and writer, publishing several books reflecting his internationalism, sense of adventure, and political beliefs; d. 30th Januray, 1959