"In the little hall leading to it was a rack holding various Socialist or radical newspapers, tracts, and pamphlets in very small print and on very bad paper. The subjects treated were technical Marxist theories"

This quote is defining a little hall causing a room, which contains a shelf of Socialist or extreme papers, tracts, as well as pamphlets. The products are published on low quality paper, and also the topics reviewed are technical Marxist concepts. This suggests that the area is an area for people to come as well as learn more about Marxist theories, and to review them in a risk-free as well as helpful atmosphere. It is most likely that the people who regular this space are enthusiastic about the cause and are eager to read more about it. The visibility of the shelf of products shows that individuals in this area are devoted to the cause as well as want to place in the effort for more information regarding it.