Results 1 to 20 of 31
So how should I go about the reading list?
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.
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.
"America is ready for another revolution" - Sarah Palin
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'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.
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
"America is ready for another revolution" - Sarah Palin
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/searc...&action=Search
'Marxism' is rather broad. What exactly are you interested in finding out about?
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.
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.
America is just the country that shows how all the written guarantees in the world for freedom are no protection against tyranny and oppression of the worst kind. There the politician has come to be looked upon as the very scum of society. - Peter Kropotkin
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 yes, as FSL said earlier, be prepared for some hard work. Marxist literature can be particularly heavy.
"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!
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.
Haha! I had the same problem. Sorry for the troll post, just had to say that bit.
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.
[FONT=System][FONT=Arial][FONT=Impact][FONT=Arial Narrow]"A “mass” organ? We totally fail to understand what kind of animal this is. Do you mean to say we must descend to a lower level, from the advanced workers to the mass, that we must write more simply and closer to life? Do you mean to say our aim is to descend closer to the “mass” instead of raising this already stirring mass to the level of an organized political movement?" --V.I. Lenin
[/FONT] [FONT=Arial Narrow]"The bourgeoisie has stripped of its halo every occupation hitherto honoured and looked up to with reverent awe. It has converted the physician, the lawyer, the priest, the poet, the man of science, into its paid wage labourers." [/FONT]
[/FONT] [/FONT][/FONT]
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.
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".
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.
Don't forget that not every marxist is a CommunistSo 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.
It is rather sad that this statement is actually true.
Well, using the word in Rubel's sense, at least.
Why would anyone recommend a new-comer Das Kapital to read?
Seriously, dont even attempt to read Das Kapital at first.
