An introduction to Marxism/Communism worth getting.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This book might be a text book, but even the non-student who is interested in Marxism/Communism will find book a a good place to start. The first 4 chapters delves into the background of Marx, the development of his ideas, who/what influenced those ideas - pretty much how Marx developed his philosophy. The writing isn't hard to follow and each chapter ends with an afterword which summarizes the chapter and to drive home the major points of that chapter. There is also a glossary at the end of the book so the reader can look up terms modes of production, alienation, etc. in case one needs a quick reminder. Chapters 5-9 treat the subject of the implementation of Marxism i.e. Communism. There is a chapter on China, Eastern Europe, a chapter on Bolshevism and a chapter devoted to what the author terms Minor Chords, regions such as Africa, Latin America (I found the info on Cuba interesting) and Asia where Communism has been attempted. Sadly the book is in need of a third edition. This edition was copyright in 1991 and there is surely more to say, more that has been learned, about the Soviet experiment/experience since the book's second copyright. I don't recommend buying the book at the text book price - but if you look around for a used copy I think you will be pleased what a handy and informative book it is.
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