Books matching: historical materialism
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Readers have described 'Dialectical and Historical Materialism' by Joseph Stalin as a pedagogic text on Marxist Leninist dialectics. Stalin provides a basic introduction to dialectical and historical materialism, covering the concepts and how they operate. The book is considered a concise exposition of marxian dialectical materialism, offering a vintage and affordable summary for those interested in the subject. Despite its accessibility in language and statement, readers have noted that the book falls short in providing a far-reaching or substantially correct presentation of real Marxist Leninist philosophy. Stalin is criticized for making theoretical mistakes and for his confusion between the dialectical method and the materialist theory within Marxism Leninism.
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The 'The Marx-Engels Reader' by Karl Marx is a comprehensive collection of works that delve into the core concepts of Marxism. The book covers a wide range of topics including the materialist conception of history, the Paris Commune, the theory of surplus value in capitalism, and the idea of working-class revolution. It presents Marx and Engels' ideas on social relations, economic structures, political superstructures, and the need for a practical movement to bring about societal change. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, abstract, and less authoritarian than expected, offering a deep insight into Marx's philosophy in his own words.
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Leszek Kolakowski's 'Main Currents of Marxism' is a comprehensive overview of the history and development of Marxism, spanning over 150 years. The book delves into the biographies, theories, and critiques of various Marxist thinkers with intellectual rigor, setting a standard for histories of ideas. Kolakowski's writing style is described as impressively lucid, concise, and philosophical rather than moral, offering a deep dive into the roots and evolution of Marxism.
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'Europe' by Tim Flannery is a comprehensive exploration of the natural history of Europe from prehistoric times to the present and even delves into speculative future scenarios. Flannery weaves together the evolution of flora and fauna in Europe, the impact of human cultures, and the geographical shifts that have shaped the continent over time. The writing style is engaging and informative, with Flannery's ability to present complex scientific concepts in a readable and enjoyable manner, making the book a delightful and enlightening read for those interested in history and nature.
David Cesarani's 'Final Solution: The Fate of the Jews 1933-1949' is a comprehensive and deeply researched academic work that delves into the horrors of the Holocaust. The book covers the attempted extermination of Jews in Europe before, during, and after World War II, providing a clear chronological account of the events. Through detailed analysis and narrative history, Cesarani paints a vivid picture of the Nazi regime's policies, the conditions that led to the Holocaust, and the aftermath faced by the Jewish population.
Adolf Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of the German Republic at 11.30 a.m. on 30 January 1933. The brief ceremony took place in the office of the German President, Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg,...- #6
'Das Kapital' by Karl Marx is a detailed and scathing critique of capitalism, focusing on the lived experiences of workers, poverty, and the degradation of laborers. Marx's work is described as an essential starting point to understand the radical changes in the world prior to the 20th century. Despite its flaws and gaps, the book presents challenging and interesting ideas, predicting crises and highlighting the inherent conflict of interest between employees and employers in a capitalist society.
'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' by Max Weber explores the relationship between Protestantism, specifically Calvinism and Puritanism, and the development of the capitalistic spirit in the West. Weber delves into the idea of one's job as a calling, distinguishing between wealth gained through effective labor as a sign of God's favor and wealth pursued for greed or vanity. Through detailed analysis of Protestant sects and historical events, Weber argues that the Protestant work ethic played a significant role in the rise of capitalism in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Weber's book challenges traditional views on the origins of capitalism by connecting Protestant beliefs to the ethos of hard work, asceticism, and the pursuit of wealth as a means of glorifying God. He critiques Marx's theory on religion as a superstructural echo of the economic base and presents a compelling argument on how Protestantism influenced the development of capitalist civilization. By examining historical events, religious doctrines, and economic theories, Weber provides a thought-provoking analysis of the interplay between religion, work ethic, and economic prosperity.
With relatively few variations and exceptions [1], the occupational statistics of a denominationally mixed region reveals a phenomenon which in recent years has frequently been the subject of lively d...Eric R. Wolf's 'Europe and the People Without History' is an all-encompassing historical journey that seamlessly links post Rome Europe to the rise of global capitalism. The book delves into the impact of global exploration, colonial usurpation, industrialization, and the birth of a free-flowing proletariat, applying Marxist concepts to analyze the changes in the world system from 1400 CE onwards. Despite some theoretical sections being abstruse, the book provides a detailed look at the history of the past five centuries, combining anthropology with history to closely tie societal and cultural organization with economic and historical factors.
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'The Night Watch' by Sarah Waters is a novel set in post-World War II London, focusing on the interconnected lives of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a troubled past. The book delves into their secrets, relationships, and struggles, moving backwards in time to reveal the events that shaped them during wartime. Waters skillfully portrays the emotional impact of the characters' experiences, particularly highlighting women's relationships and the aftermath of the Blitz.
So this, said Kay to herself, is the sort of person you’ve become: a person whose clocks and wrist-watches have stopped, and who tells the time, instead, by the particular kind of cripple arriving at ... - #10
"The State and Revolution" by Vladimir Lenin is a political treatise that aims to clarify and connect the dots of Marxist theory, providing a coherent and clear message of the Communist system. Lenin discusses arguments against socialism, the steps to achieve full communism, what that would look like, and why socialism is necessary, especially after the European revolutions of the 19th century. The book delves into the creation and existence of states, the memory of revolutionary thinkers, and the withering of the state according to Marxian theory.
Lenin's writing style in "The State and Revolution" is praised for its clarity and cutting analysis that remains relevant even a century after its first publication in 1917. Readers appreciate Lenin's perspective, breakdown of Marx and Engels' writings, and the valuable insights provided on the necessity of socialism. The book is seen as a wonderful read that offers a mix of light-hearted commentary and valuable theory, making it a recommended read for those interested in understanding communism and leftist ideologies.
What is now happening to Marx's doctrine has occurred time after time in history to the doctrine of revolutionary thinkers and leaders of oppressed classes struggling for liberation. The oppressing cl...