Marxism: Essential Writings

Book excerpt: This selection from the major writings of the most influential Marxist thinkers provides easy and direct access to the sources of the 20th century's most important ideology. Those who are baffled by the ramifications of Marxism will find here the major statements of classical and contemporary Marxist theory from Marx himself, through Engels, Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin to Mao, Marcuse, Guevara, and Cabral. Together these texts give us a comprehensive view both of the Marxist tradition and of the varieties of contemporary Marxism. Professor McLellan has provided every excerpt with a list of further reading and with an introduction, which places each author in a historical and political context. Students will find this an indispensable first-hand guide to essential Marxism. David McLellan, professor emeritus of Political Theory at the University of Kent at Canterbury, has lectured widely in North America and continental Europe. He has authored a number of books on Karl Marx, including "Karl Marx: His Life and Thought" and "Marxism after Marx." Many of his works have been translated into foreign languages. He is also the editor of "Karl Marx: Selected Writings."