onesime's review
4.0
A concise introduction to some of the most prominent contemporary Marxist thinkers. Not sure whether the lack of diversity can be excused, but this is nonetheless a good primer on several central concepts.
boundtwobooks's review against another edition
3.0
This is not a bad overview-style book for themes relating to marxism, capitalism, neoliberalism, and debt. However, it is terrible if you want to use it for academic purposes because the referencing system is vague to non-existent. I know it is supposed to be an essay-style book, but guys... reference that stuff!
utopologist's review against another edition
3.0
Closer to 3.5. The chapters on Harvey and Graeber were absolutely wonderful, but the rest didn't really illuminate much.
jdkeller1's review
A collection of essays that were pretty far over my head, but the parts I did understand were informative and, while dense, it is a pretty quick read.
gregbrown's review
4.0
Best way into some current Marxist thinkers I've read. It kinda shows that the pieces originated as book reviews, but when Kunkel likes the author's work, he does an amazing job of explicating what makes them great. But when the authors aren't that great, Kunkel's reviews kinda meander. Still, readable Marxism is to kill for, and Kunkel rocks.
Update: On a second read-through, the last two chapters kinda drag (and can be safely ignored if you aren’t feeling them, imho). Still, his glosses on Harvey, Jameson, Brenner, and Graeber are more readable than those authors, and a great framework for tackling the source material. Odd to re-read this book a few years later, after the rise of Sanders/DSA in 2016.
Update: On a second read-through, the last two chapters kinda drag (and can be safely ignored if you aren’t feeling them, imho). Still, his glosses on Harvey, Jameson, Brenner, and Graeber are more readable than those authors, and a great framework for tackling the source material. Odd to re-read this book a few years later, after the rise of Sanders/DSA in 2016.
chelseymarie's review
4.0
The essays here are a mixed bag, but two stand out as exceptional. "Robert Brenner: full employment and the long downturn" and "David Graeber: in the midst of life we are in debt" make the whole book worthwhile.
juank1301's review
5.0
Overall, a good book. It will challenge you. So, if you want to broaden your horizons and understand the counter-theory of capitalism, this is your book.