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grbdeveaux's review
2.0
The oversimplifications, overgeneralizations, and often simple factual inaccuracies make this a less than helpful read. As others have mentioned, these issues are especially prevalent and obvious in the section on Feminism, but they are present in every section. Paul D'Amato's The Meaning of Marxism has fewer issues and is a more thorough introduction to Marxism without sacrificing readability, even for new readers.
The "Understanding History" section is full of mistakes which signaled to me pretty early that this wasn't going to be a useful read. Ironically, Harman's method for discussing most topics he broaches is decidedly undialectical. His descriptions of pre-modern societies are extremely simplistic. The model of capitalism (and especially capitalist government) he advances is static and all-encompassing, making it seem as if capitalism exists in some pure form - never changing, never evolving - and can explain every aspect of any capitalist society.
The "Understanding History" section is full of mistakes which signaled to me pretty early that this wasn't going to be a useful read. Ironically, Harman's method for discussing most topics he broaches is decidedly undialectical. His descriptions of pre-modern societies are extremely simplistic. The model of capitalism (and especially capitalist government) he advances is static and all-encompassing, making it seem as if capitalism exists in some pure form - never changing, never evolving - and can explain every aspect of any capitalist society.
tombomp's review
3.0
A very readable introduction to Marxist politics marred somewhat by a lack of explanation on a few key issues brought up, which makes the work as a whole feel slightly patronising - a bunch of examples are listed to back up easy to understand and accept points and then more confusing or contentious points are presented as facts. Also gives a pretty shitty accounting of feminism and toes the Trot (specifically the UK SWP) line slavishly.
imaginefishes's review
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Very clear and concise descriptions of Marxist ideas
parasocialite's review
4.0
I really appreciated how accessible this book was to the average person, and how it didnt have any complicated jargon. I appreciated the inclusion of imperialism and feminism in it also. My one critic is that I wish it included works from non Europeans.
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