The Revolutionary Ideas of Karl Marx

One simply cannot be a Marxist without reading Marx and having a basic understanding of Marxist theory & economics. That said, I would not advise a beginner to sit down & try digesting Capital Volumes 1-3. One will likely get lost in the abstract explanations & formulas, not to mention the 19th century verbiage. That's why this book is essential reading for the beginner - or even intermediate. It's written to provide a clear, concise explanation of Marxist economics & very much accomplishes its goal. If you want a basic understanding of what "Marxism is all about," this book should be among your first.

I've tried in earnest to find a comprehensive intro to Marxist ideology and I finally found it with this great little book. Most books on Marx assume you already have a firm grasp on his ideas, this is that book that supplies you with that grasp. Highly recommend for anyone curious about Marx, socialism, or the foundation of similar ideas.

Callinicos has produced here what is probably the best comprehensive introductory guide to Marx's thought. It manages to be both sophisticated yet clear. Concise yet extensive. The book provides a short biographic sketch of Marx, followed by a historical sketch of the political and philosophical climate he was working in. It includes a very clearly articulated and well argued account of Marx's methodology and categories then relates this to Marx's conceptions of historical development, political economy and his socialist political project. It concludes with a positive contemporary evaluation of Marx's legacy and an appeal for a broader acceptance of his vision. What stands out about this book is the remarkably nuanced and non-reductive interpretation it gives of historical materialism. This goes against both the versions of Marx's thought presented by the abominable totalitarian regimes that purported to rule in his name and those presented by many of his critics on the left and right. By successfully showing that Marx's philosophy isn't the rigid and reductive economic determinism it is so often presented to be, Callinicos gives new life to the ideas of one of modern history's greatest minds.

I haven't got much to add to the other excellent review that has already been done here.Callenicos's chapter on 'Capitalism' gives a truly marvellous summary of Marx's 'Capital' (vol 1 to 3),Callenicos even manages to cover the 'transformation of values into prices' problem.This is a marvellous aid for anyone who wants to understand Marx's main ideas.

it explain the basic ideas and also answers the familiar objections.

Outstanding - brings Marx to life for the current century. The biographical details at the start set the scene and the chapters on Marx's economic writings are both clear and accessible. Thoroughly recommended!

nice

great book and intro to this topic