About the author Dell believed that the everyday life of the middle and working classes provided subjects worthy of serious literary treatment. Dell valued authenticity and accuracy of detail and welcomed those like Russell and phillips who wanted to use literature to bring about social reform Dell, like most of the people working with The Masses, was opposed to USA involvement in the Wwl. After the usa declared war on the central powers in 1917 The Masses came under government pressure to change its policy. When it refused to do this, the journal lost its mailing privilegesAbout the author • Dell believed that the everyday life of the middle and working classes provided subjects worthy of serious literary treatment. Dell valued authenticity and accuracy of detail and welcomed those like Russell and Phillips who wanted to use literature to bring about social reform. • Dell, like most of the people working with The Masses, was opposed to USA involvement in the WWW I. After the USA declared war on the Central Powers in 1917, The Masses came under government pressure to change its policy. When it refused to do this, the journal lost its mailing privileges