|
|
We present here a selection of recommended reading which explains many of the ideas of
Marxism and YFIS. Theory is our guide to action, and without a "compass"
to guide us in our activities, we may be blown off course. Therefore, all comrades
are encouraged to read through this material carefully. Also, be sure to visit the About Us page, and the extensive sections on Marxist Theory, Frequently Asked Questions, and Marxist Classics for more information organized by topic.
Back to top
- What is Marxism?
These three articles on the fundamental aspects of Marxism: Marxist Economics, Dialectical
Materialism and Historical Materialism were originally published separately in the 1970s.
These articles are a good, brief introduction to the basic methods of Marxism and can
serve as a first approach to the ideas developed by Marx and Engels.
- Historical
Materialism
An introduction to Historical Materialism covering the following topics: What is
historical materialism?, Primitive communism, The Asiatic mode of production, Ancient
Greece: slavery and democracy, Roman slavery, Decline of the Roman empire, The transition
to feudalism, Medieval towns, Class struggle under feudalism, Capitalism, The Capitalist
World Market, Imperialism, Revolutionary role of the Working Class and Capitalist Crisis.
By Mick Brooks.
- Basic Points of Dialectical Materialism
Excellent summary of the basic points of Dialectical Materialism. Covers concepts such as
the transformation of quantity into quality, negation of the negation, the unity and
interpenetration of opposites, and more. By John Pickard
Marxism
and the Struggle against Imperialism
A look at the theory of the permanent revolution and how it applies to the colonial
revolution. It is nearly eight years since George Bush, the then president of the
US, made his famous "New World Order" speech. This was in 1991. In the build-up
to the Gulf War the main imperialist power on earth promised a world without wars, without
dictatorships and, of course, a world firmly under the control of a single all-powerful
world policeman--the US. After the fall of Stalinism, US imperialism really thought that
the world would be firmly under their command and they would be able to dictate the
destiny of each and every country. All conflicts in the world were to be solved through
dialogue in a kind of "Pax Americana." Now all these dreams have been reduced to
rubble. By Ted Grant and Alan Woods.
- On the Mass Organizations
"The entire history of the international workers' movement in the twentieth century
has furnished us with a wealth of material to show the way in which the working class and
its organisations develop. From the study of the workers' movement over several decades, I
drew the following inescapable conclusion: that when the mass of the workers enter the
arena of struggle to change society, they inevitably gravitate, in the first instance, to
the traditional mass organisations. The mass of the workers--and even the greater part of
the advanced elements of the class--do not learn from books, but only from experience, and
particularly the experience of great events. Where a strong and educated Marxist tendency
is present, the process can be considerably shortened. This was the case with the
Bolshevik Party in 1917. By Ted Grant.
- Marxism and Direct Action
The recent anti-capitalist demonstrations have brought together many different groups
protesting against the destruction of the environment, racism, the exploitation of the
third world, and also many ordinary young people protesting at the state of things in
general. Phil Mitchinson looks at the anarchist ideas of the groups that are organizing
these events.
- Trotsky and the Fight Against Fascism
A brief look at Trotsky's tremendous contribution in the struggle against fascism.
- Marxism and the Emancipation of Women
Marxism has always been at the forefront of the cause of women's emancipation. The 8th of
March (International Women's Day) is a red letter day for us as it symbolises the struggle
of working class women against capitalism, oppression and discrimination throughout the
world. We are publishing a document where we outline the first steps given by Marxism to
fight for women's rights, what the first successful revolution meant for the emancipation
of women, conditions of women under capitalism both in advanced and Third World countries
and pose the question of how to eliminate inequality between men and women for good. Ana
Muņoz and Alan Woods.
- Marxism and War
An excellent look at some of the fundamental questions facing Marxists in regard to war.
By Phil Mitchinson.
- Engels and Human Development
John Pickard looks at Engels' work The
Part Played by Labor in the Transition from Ape to Man in light of modern
anthropologocal and paleontological evidence. His conclusion? It was way ahead of its
time! In his general conclusions, Engels was fundamentally correct in spite of the lack of
hard evidence available in 1876.
- Against the Theory of State Capitalism
Ted Grant's analysis of the class structure of the USSR is indispensible for those wishing
to understand the origins and collapse of Stalnism. From the book The Unbroken Thread, a collection of Ted Grant's
writings, also available in our bookshop.
- History of Philosophy
This text was originally written by Alan Woods as a part of the book Reason in Revolt: Marxist Philosophy and
Modern Science, but eventually the book became too long and this part had to left out.
With chapters on: Do we Need Philosophy?, The First Dialecticians, Aristotle and the End
of Classical Greek Philosophy, The Renaissance, Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz, and
Philosophy in the 20th Century.
The
Rise and Fall of the Third International
An account of the Communist International from its formation after the Russian Revolution
to its ignominous dissolution by Stalin. Written by Ted Grant in 1943.
- The Moscow Frame-Up
Trials: 'Shoot the mad dogs!'
The ideas of Trotsky - which represent the continuation of Marxist thought since Lenin's
death - are without question the most slandered set of ideas in history. Together with
Marx and Lenin, Trotsky has been subjected to a continual onslaught from capitalist
commentators and academics, including the Russian 'democrats' of the Volkogonov type, for
his alleged totalitarianism and subversive ideas. In reality, it is the revolutionary
message of Marxism which poses a threat to their system - and they must attempt to
discredit these ideas at every opportunity. By Rob Sewell.
- Trotsky's Critique of
Popular Frontism
A look at the Stalinist and Menshevik tactic of forming "Popular Fronts" - which
in essence means submitting the workers' organizations to the so-called
"progressive" bourgeoisie - a fundamental departure from the ideas of Marxism.
Back to top
By Marx and Engels:
- Theses on Feurbach
Marx's personal notes in which he sketches the outline of his new world outlook -
historical and dialectical materialism.
- Socialism:
Utopian and Scientific
A great introduction to the ideas of Marxism. It explains the origins of Marxism and
explains why scientific socialism is the only way forward.
By V.I. Lenin:
- The Tasks of the Youth
Leagues
Though he discusses details specific to Russia in the early 1900s, there is still a lot to
be learned from this excellent speech
By Leon Trotsky
- If America should go Communist
A brief, friendly explanation to the American working class of what sorts of changes they
could expect if they lived under a democratic socialist system. Much of it still
applies to today!
- Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin
A great, short piece by Leon Trotsky on how to make the best use of your time when
studying the often difficult ideas of Marxism.
ABC
of Materialist Dialectics
Trotsky's 'ABC of Materialist Dialectics' is a brilliant short explanation of Marxist
philosophy. It was written as part of a defense of Marxism against a middle class
revisionist tendency in the American Trotskyist movement in the late 1930s, which
attempted to challenge its basic principles. As opposed to pragmatism and empiricism,
Trotsky defended dialectical materialism as a richer, fuller, more comprehensive view of
society and life in general.
- The Class Nature of the Soviet State
An outstanding outline of the class-nature of the soviet state. A great intro or
refresher to the Revolution Betrayed.
- Why Marxists Oppose Individual Terrorism
An excellent outline of the basic reasons why Marxism and individual terrorism are not
compatible. Our power is in our mass, united action against the oppressor, not in
individual acts of terror which serve as an excuse for increased state repression and
which alienate the masses from the cause of socialism.
The
Lessons of October
A great overview and analysis of the October revolution. Explains the most important
lessons to be learned and applied.
- Hue and Cry Over Kronstadt
In this article from 1938, Trotsky gives an excellent summary of the controversial
Kronstadt uprising. He explains the social roots of the uprising, and makes clear the
counter-revolutionary character of the mutiny.
A speech given in Copenhagen. Using the Marxist method, Trotsky defends the revolution's
positive and progressiveaspects which need to be defended in spite of the tragic rise of
Stalinism.
- Trotsky's
Testament
Wounded and dying after being stabbed with an icepick by one of Stalin's assassins,
Trotsky wrote his final words.
By Rosa Luxemburg
By James Connolly
- Workshop Talks
This marvellous little pamphlet by James Connolly has introduced millions of workers to
the basic ideas of socialism. Workshop Talks remains one of the best simple
rebuttals of all the arguments that come up over and over again against socialism, on
buses, in works canteens, and in pubs and clubs. "Socialism is not practical"...
"Socialism is contrary to religion"... "Socialism will destroy
freedom"... "Socialism means confiscation". Here are the answers!
Back to top
|
