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13th out of 55 books
—
20 voters
The Meaning of Marxism
by
Paul D'Amato
“In [D’Amato’s] able hands, Marxist politics come alive and leap before us, pointing a way toward a better world. It’s a knockout.”—Dave Zirin, author of What’s My Name, Fool?: Sports and Resistance in the United States
In this lively and accessible introduction to the ideas of Karl Marx, with historical and contemporary examples, D’Amato argues that Marx’s ideas of globali...more
In this lively and accessible introduction to the ideas of Karl Marx, with historical and contemporary examples, D’Amato argues that Marx’s ideas of globali...more
Paperback, 164 pages
Published
June 1st 2006
by Haymarket Books
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Good basic entry into Marxism, from the advocate's perspective. As with most Marxist primers put out by believers this one trips all over the idea of the dialectic and other traditional sticking points. It also sluffs off the nightmares of the Soviet Union and Mao's China as revolutions high-jacked by Stalin and Mao respectively instead of possible outcomes of Marxist thought as well as material conditions underlying each situation (in doing this the author drifts away from a basic materialists...more
this has some marginal utility as an introductory text, especially if you're recommending it to someone who isn't yet sure that capitalism is The Problem or is under the impression that they know all about how "communism" doesn't work because: (insert bourgeois historical narrative about stalin or mao). it's very accessible and non-threatening, and i think its important to have a title out there with those qualities. in particular the section on the labor theory of value is a very good 'jumping...more
This is probably about as concise and clear you can get about a theory and history that is so long and dense. It is really a very good introduction to Marxism and inspires the reader to start delving into a more thorough examination of it. It is a surprising witness to the common sense of Marxist theory and socialism in practice, and pretty resoundingly refutes most arguments against it. Some may have an issue with the perspective of the writer as he is a well known member of the International S...more
An okay introduction to Marxist thought... But I feel that d'Amato presented a lot of simplistic ideas (whether or not connected structurally to Marxist theory), left out a lot of important things (alienation under wage-slavery and commodity fetishism), and consciously betrayed a lot of Marxist claims by trying to make them more palatable to his American audience (ie, that the American Civil War was fought to end slavery). His discussion on the 'socialist' answer to degradation of the environmen...more
Sep 19, 2008
David
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who can read the English language
Shelves:
socialist-politics
Ron Jacobs' review [http://counterpunch.org/jacobs0421200...] on Counterpunch is excellent! Here's an excerpt:
Sensible and modest, D'Amato's effort to explain Marxism and its relevance to today's world is without overblown rhetoric or angry attacks. Instead, it is a rational argument for revolutionary change in the capitalist monolith that is the United States while simultaneously an instructional text for those seeking such a change. For those who are not certain about the possibilities of soci...more
Sensible and modest, D'Amato's effort to explain Marxism and its relevance to today's world is without overblown rhetoric or angry attacks. Instead, it is a rational argument for revolutionary change in the capitalist monolith that is the United States while simultaneously an instructional text for those seeking such a change. For those who are not certain about the possibilities of soci...more
Pros: relatively recent (published in 2006), so contemporary examples of economic, political, and social issues abound and make socialism seem relevant; fairly straightforward and easy to understand in most respects; good at pointing out the faults and inherent flaws of capitalism, and also the difference between theoretical Marxism and Stalinism as actually practiced in "Communist" regimes; meticulously documented and good "Further Reading" list at the end. Cons: makes a complete muddle of theo...more
A decent introduction to Marxism based in historical fact and simple analogies. Not really a theory book, don't expect a detailed discussion of commodity fetishism, dead vs. living labor, etc... and if you don't already know what "dialectical" means, the book doesn't much help. It is good about concretely grounding ideas in appropriate political stances and praxis.
i imagine this is the kind of book that's helpful to have alongside the first time someone says 'historical materialism' or assumes you've been wrestling with Hegel since you stepped out of the onesie. it's beneficial both as a primer to primary socialist texts and as a refresher or reference.
Great introduction to Marxism, however, towards the end the author focuses more on social problems that relate to socialist thinking today rather than refering to examples given by Marx himself.
This is a good re-articulation of Marxism for contemporary times. It hits on many relevant topics and is not nearly as introductory as one might suspect.
Get it. Incredible introduction to socialism from below, an accessible explanation of the Marxist-Leninist approach.
Great intro to Marxism . Engaging , not too dry but doesn't skimp on the important stuff. Good book.
a Trotskyist hack book but still a lot of good info
Mar 27, 2010
James
is currently reading it
for my book group on 4/8
This is an incredibly accessible book on Marxism by a Marxist living in the U.S. If you want to know what Marxism is--without all the distortions--read this book.
if you are new or do not understand marxism or do not feel it is relevant in this day and age, read this book...
Best introduction to Marxism that I know of. Even well versed socialists will get something out of it.
A concise breakdown of Marxism, I am glad I read this before I attempt to
tackle Capital Vol 1.
tackle Capital Vol 1.
Hands down, the best contemporary introduction to marxist theory and practice in print today.
About to start reading this again for a study group. This will be my third time through!
I'll let you know when I finish
An excellent intro to Marxism.
Clear and straight-forward.
May 15, 2013
Lauren Mckenzie
marked it as to-read
Apr 15, 2013
Dodda Ramakrishna
marked it as to-read
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