So how should I go about the reading list?

[Habash]

I would like to begin understanding the basics of Marxism. I have a general overall idea, but assume that I don't. What is the order of readings that will make it easiest for me to understand and progress in my research? Should I begin with the Manifesto or is there a better starting point?

Basically, if someone is kind enough to put together the first 3-5 books I need to read in the order of which I should start and end at, I will be very appreciative.

[Drace]

If you can understand the manifesto go for it.

Even when I do now for some reason I get lost and just read the words without connecting them.

[Habash]

If you can understand the manifesto go for it.

Even when I do now for some reason I get lost and just read the words without connecting them.

I got a hold of an audio copy of the Manifesto and I must admit I was lost...but then again, it could've been the very thick British accent or frequent reading hiccups of the reader.

[FSL]

I'd start with Principles of Communism, the manifesto and wage, labour and capital.


That is probably enough for the basics, if you wish to continue be prepared for some hard work :)


Marxists.org is your best bet if you can't buy the books.

[Drace]

I got a hold of an audio copy of the Manifesto and I must admit I was lost...but then again, it could've been the very thick British accent or frequent reading hiccups of the reader.

I think Id enjoy an audio tape

A lot of books on the subject are available online, but they would indeed be much easier and less eye straining to read in the form of a book

[RedHal]

librivox.org has a few marx , it's a site for audiobooks read by volunteers, so it's completely free downloads.
Here's a search for marx and the titles that came up:

http://librivox.org/newcatalog/search.php?title=&author=marx&status=all&action=Search

[ZeroNowhere]

'Marxism' is rather broad. What exactly are you interested in finding out about?

[bailey_187]

Bob Avakian - Mao Tsetungs immortal contributions (or is it Immortal contributions of Mao Tsetung?)
Chris Harman - How Marxism works
Emile Burns - What is Marxism

I reccomend Emile Burn's the most as it is a good introduction but if its hard to find Bob Avakians is good (if a little more complex). Harman's is good overall but (in my opinion) is wrong in parts about the USSR.

[Manifesto]

I got a hold of an audio copy of the Manifesto and I must admit I was lost...but then again, it could've been the very thick British accent or frequent reading hiccups of the reader.
You should spend some time on this website first if it is still hard to read. I could barely understand what it was saying but after a few weeks on here it became a lot easier to read.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Marx - Communist Manifesto, Capital

Engels - Condition of the Working Class in England (even if you are not from the UK, it still entertains the idea that the proletariat differs in many ways across borders)

Lenin - What is to be Done?, The State and Revolution, April Theses

Luxembourg - Reform or Revolution

Kautsky - Social Democracy v Communism, Social Revolution

I know some may despise Kautsky as a 'renegade', a la Lenin, but it is important for a novice Marxist to be exposed to a wide variety of Marxist material, including the traditional Social Democracy of the early 20th century.

The above works will stand you in good stead.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

And yes, as FSL said earlier, be prepared for some hard work. Marxist literature can be particularly heavy.:)

[rosie]

"Marx for Beginners" by Rius is an excellent way to begin. You can get it on Amazon and it's not very expensive. Maybe like, six buck or so. I can't remember. Read it. Then read the Manifesto. Also, ABC's of Communism is a pretty good read as well. It depends on your previous understanding of the history and times. Good luck Comrade!

[Axle]

Read Engels' Principles of Communism first before you read anything else.

I always recommend that over the Communist Manifesto to beginners because it is much easier to read and infinitely more straight forward, and once you've read it you'll be able to connect more easily with the Manifesto.

People just starting to learn about Marxism should never read Marx first (as strange as that sounds), because his writing style is too winding, dry and difficult. His style makes it incredibly hard to grasp new concepts and ideas.

[rosie]

Haha! I had the same problem. Sorry for the troll post, just had to say that bit.

[ArrowLance]

Marx - Communist Manifesto, Capital

Engels - Condition of the Working Class in England (even if you are not from the UK, it still entertains the idea that the proletariat differs in many ways across borders)

Lenin - What is to be Done?, The State and Revolution, April Theses

Luxembourg - Reform or Revolution

Kautsky - Social Democracy v Communism, Social Revolution

I know some may despise Kautsky as a 'renegade', a la Lenin, but it is important for a novice Marxist to be exposed to a wide variety of Marxist material, including the traditional Social Democracy of the early 20th century.

The above works will stand you in good stead.

And so, lets tack on The Proletarian Revolution and the Renegade Kautsky by Lenin on there. Not only does it give a view on Kautsky, but it is fun to read and explains many things important when dealing with the supposed 'leftists' of the west.

[Habash]

Thanks with the recommendations, everyone.

Based on book descriptions I read online, it seems like Engels' Principles of Communism would be a good starting point. I'll begin by reading that, and check back for the next assignment.


'Marxism' is rather broad. What exactly are you interested in finding out about?

I'm not sure, and that's why I wanna know the basics. I'm not sure where I stand as far as ideology (I know I'm anti-capitalist, that's about it), so I want to read and find out where I "fit in".

[manic expression]

This is a good summary of the Manifesto that helped me a lot when I was getting into Marxism:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbTIJ9_bLP4

Watching this a few times makes reading the entire Manifesto much easier.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Read Engels' Principles of Communism first before you read anything else.

I always recommend that over the Communist Manifesto to beginners because it is much easier to read and infinitely more straight forward, and once you've read it you'll be able to connect more easily with the Manifesto.

People just starting to learn about Marxism should never read Marx first (as strange as that sounds), because his writing style is too winding, dry and difficult. His style makes it incredibly hard to grasp new concepts and ideas.

Don't forget that not every marxist is a Communist ;) So I don't think it is vital to read such-and-such a work in a particular order.

Also to whoever said about Lenin's work on regarding Kautsky, good shout.

[ZeroNowhere]

Don't forget that not every marxist is a CommunistIt is rather sad that this statement is actually true.
Well, using the word in Rubel's sense, at least.

[bailey_187]

Why would anyone recommend a new-comer Das Kapital to read?

Seriously, dont even attempt to read Das Kapital at first.

[Rjevan]

^ Agreed, seriously, "Das Kapital" is not for beginners and will probably rather frighten them off or get them frustrated than anything else. This is something for people advanced in Marxist theory but clearly not for beginners.

There was a similar thread not so long ago, take a look at it, there are also some other suggestions: http://www.revleft.com/vb/theory-readi-t122200/index.html
And again I point out our Reading List for Beginners (http://www.revleft.com/vb/reading-list-beginners-t112763/index.html) and recommend "The Communist Manifesto" by Marx and Engels, "Wage Labour and Capital (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/wage-labour/index.htm)" by Marx and "The State and Revolution (http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/)" by Lenin as good basic works.

And Axle is right, Engels is a lot easier to read than Marx, he has a more fluent style and is able to explain and outline things in an easier way than Marx. Works written by Marx and Engles together are also easier than Marx alone and since the Maifesto is really basic you should give it a try anyway. If you have questions on some works don't hesitate to ask them here, it helps if you can discuss something instead of drawing wrong conclusions.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

It is rather sad that this statement is actually true.
Well, using the word in Rubel's sense, at least.

In what way is it sad? I thought we are meant to celebrate our sectarianism?:rolleyes:

[Stranger Than Paradise]

I would try reading the manifesto again. Now I don't mean to be sectarian but ABC of Communist Anarchism by Alex Berkman is a good book for beginners aswell.

[ZeroNowhere]

In what way is it sad? I thought we are meant to celebrate our sectarianism?:rolleyes:
In what way is it sad that not every Marxist is a socialist? I thought it would be fairly obvious.

[-Marxist-Leninist-Maoist-]

Read anything by lenin, or fanz

[RadioRaheem84]

Found Marx for Beginners at the local half priced books for like four bucks. Should I get it? Is it really that good?

[bailey_187]

Found Marx for Beginners at the local half priced books for like four bucks. Should I get it? Is it really that good?

Is that the one with drawings? Its ok, nothing special. From what i seen you post, it doesnt seem like u would learn much from it. If its cheap and u have money to spare though, you may as well get it, its always a good book to lend to people if they want to get into Marxism.

[RadioRaheem84]

Considering everyone in here agrees that Kapital is a hard read, would it be wise to read the Cliff notes version? :blushing:

[bailey_187]

Considering everyone in here agrees that Kapital is a hard read, would it be wise to read the Cliff notes version? :blushing:

Never heard of it. If you want to read Capital though, read Robert Freedmon - Marx on Economics. It quotes at length sections of Marx and then himself sumarises Marx's argument.
Sometimes it quotes other parts of Marx's writings but most is from Capital

[RadioRaheem84]

Yeah they have a SparkNotes version of Kapital I was gonna download and print. But if you recommend that book, that would be better.

Is Kapital that good? Is it the summa of Marx's work? Does it ultimately shed light on the capitalist system?

[bailey_187]

I dont know, I have never read Capital, only parts of it and about the ideas in it. I probably should one day.