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foxmoon's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining, ultra-accessible introduction to contemporary socialism. I will probably hand copies of this book out like pamphlets.
earth2rachel's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
mike_danley's review against another edition
4.0
I recently picked this book up with a bundle of 12 other free books (all of the radical left persuasion). A great giveaway during the covid Pandemic by a publisher I’m now having a hard time remembering (maybe it’ll come back to me soon!)
Anyways, this was a fairly short book, just under 200 pages. I’ve been in the game of Marxist politics for almost all of my adult life now, so for me it didn’t bring anything new to the table that I didn’t already know. However, I’m glad I read it anyway, because now I have another socialism “for beginners” book to recommend to friends, family and anyone else interested.
Along with Terry Eagletons great book ‘Why Marx Was Right’, which I always recommend to people starting out down this road. ‘Socialism...seriously’ breaks down the core tenets of socialist and radical left thought very plainly and simply for the average person to understand. It’s at times very whimsical and dare I say funny - which is quite rare in a sea of, let’s be honest, quite dry reading when it comes to the subject matter.
Anyways, this was a fairly short book, just under 200 pages. I’ve been in the game of Marxist politics for almost all of my adult life now, so for me it didn’t bring anything new to the table that I didn’t already know. However, I’m glad I read it anyway, because now I have another socialism “for beginners” book to recommend to friends, family and anyone else interested.
Along with Terry Eagletons great book ‘Why Marx Was Right’, which I always recommend to people starting out down this road. ‘Socialism...seriously’ breaks down the core tenets of socialist and radical left thought very plainly and simply for the average person to understand. It’s at times very whimsical and dare I say funny - which is quite rare in a sea of, let’s be honest, quite dry reading when it comes to the subject matter.
elsiebrady's review against another edition
3.0
Brief view, of course, very interesting. Assume you know nothing about socialism, avoid thinking of forms of failed “socialism” and you will be enlightened to many of the disparaging aspects of capitalism (it really isn’t and shouldn’t be the economic epitome of greatness) and the individual opportunities of socialism for everyone (female, male, black, white, etc).
grubnubble's review against another edition
5.0
I would be ok with dying if I had written this book. And Danny Katch did a better job than I could have! I’m so pleased to have an accessible book to point to when people ask me about my politics now.
folly_problem's review against another edition
5.0
Fun, light, breezy and clear. There's much to enjoy in this book. It gets across the fundamentals and history of socialism across in a way that is just a joy to read. Anyone can read this book and understand what socialism is, and why people like it.
Part of this is the simplicity at Socialism's core, but a lot comes down to the humour and simple prose Danny Katch writes. So digestible, covers all the important bits, and helps point you in the right direction. I consider this a gold standard for a political primer. Want to learn about socialism, consider yourself socialist but want to double-check how best to explain it to friends, this book should be your first stop.
Part of this is the simplicity at Socialism's core, but a lot comes down to the humour and simple prose Danny Katch writes. So digestible, covers all the important bits, and helps point you in the right direction. I consider this a gold standard for a political primer. Want to learn about socialism, consider yourself socialist but want to double-check how best to explain it to friends, this book should be your first stop.
haleylikethewolfe's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars, rounded up
Honestly a really good primer on socialism filled with lots of citations for further reading. I think this is a good place to start if you’re already interested in socialism and want to learn some history and clarify your stances. I will definitely be returning to this book as a reference
Honestly a really good primer on socialism filled with lots of citations for further reading. I think this is a good place to start if you’re already interested in socialism and want to learn some history and clarify your stances. I will definitely be returning to this book as a reference
hotknife's review against another edition
3.0
not to be petty but i'd like this a lot more if the author wasn't such a Trot.