With anti-ICE resistance rocking the streets of the US and tens of thousands marching across the world for Gaza, today is a time of mass mobilisation and revolutionary anger. But mass anger without clear direction and organisation is not enough to make the world a better place. To make sense of the world and ‘join the dots’, it is vital for us to not just be able to recite our favourite Marxist quotes, but be able to interrogate and test our ideas using a coherent framework of materialist analysis. With summer holidays also fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get stuck in and help build your understanding of revolutionary ideas.

Whilst many people often find themselves wanting to learn more, it can be difficult knowing where exactly to begin, and so the purpose of this article is to provide a helpful starting point from which people can deepen their knowledge about Marxism and revolutionary theory and history. Though I’ve done many book recommendations before on Instagram they always end up hidden thousands of posts down my feed so I thought it best to put some here where it is more accessible for people.

A quick note on the books chosen: First, I have deliberately avoided recommending some of the more popular classics by Marx, Lenin and others, not because I do not think they are worth reading but because I personally found these books listed to be more engaging for beginners and good at building up a foundational level of knowledge, enabling a more informed and easier read of the classics afterwards. This is just my personal preference though, and if that doesn’t work for you that’s fine too!

Second, many (if not all) of these books put forward lots of opinions which I would contest or challenge. When recommending these books I am not suggesting you treat them as gospel or like a religious text, they are instead meant to inform and develop your understanding, and should be interrogated every step of the way. This is fundamentally the way to create the best possible Marxists, and I think all of these books help the reader to think critically and coherently about socialist history and ideas.

The Starter Pack

#1 The History of Philosophy: A Marxist Perspective

It may seem odd to pick this book as the starting point, rather more notable works like The Communist Manifesto or The State and Revolution, but it is most important first to understand the context in which Marxism emerges and grasp the philosophical development which led to its creation. In this book Alan Woods manages to condense thousands of years of human philosophy into a few hundred pages and does so in a way which is easily accessible and thought provoking for people just beginning to explore Marxism and philosophy more generally. This is the fundamental building block from which all beginners should develop their understanding of Marxism as it explains the centrality of dialectical materialism and the ways in which materialism diverges from idealism. If all the big philosophical words confuse you, this is the place to go.

Difficulty: 7/10

#2 A Companion To Marx's Capital: The Complete Edition

This is certainly a step up from the last one and if you have no background in economics, there will be parts in this book which may make little sense on the first reading (it certainly did for me) but this is a book which fundamentally is meant to be read many times and which each time should hopefully inform you a little more than the last. Whilst challenging, there is really no getting round the importance of understanding Marx’s words in Capital, and the key points of the book are made very evident and will give you a solid foundation from which to build. Harvey talks you through the concepts in a way which is certainly more accessible than the original, and if possible is best read with the original rather than as a replacement. It is worth the effort I promise, and you will be able to understand the way capitalism works in a far more sophisticated and developed way.

Difficulty: 9/10

#3 The Prophet: The Life of Leon Trotsky

I already know some people are going to get very mad at this one, despite the fact that I doubt any of them have read a word of this or ever will. Whilst written as a biography of Trotsky, Deutscher’s work doubles as a deep dive into the Russian Revolution itself, its context and the events that followed in the years after. As one of the most important events in communist and world history, the Russian Revolution has an endless collection of literature to choose from on the subject, but I think this is best simply because of the power of Deutscher’s literary style, which turns the stuff of real events into a gripping and human tale of struggle whilst maintaining a Marxist analysis throughout, educating the reader on Trotsky’s theories and positions, as well as those of other important figures within the Bolshevik Party. You certainly do not need to be a Trotskyist to read this book, which stands independently as a great work of history. The worst thing about this book is the price tag attached, though you can buy the different parts individually or always read it online through various means which I could not legally suggest.

Difficulty: 5/10

#4 Rosa Luxemburg: The Biography

This biography serves as the perfect counterweight to the last as it can be used as an analysis of the failed German Revolution and the degeneration of the SPD into reformism, which Luxemburg constantly fights against. This may be a personal bias, but I find the biographical style to be humanising and easily investable for new readers, whilst simultaneously explaining important historical events and ideological positions. I certainly don’t agree with all of Nettl’s characterisations of Luxemburg, but the account remains invaluable nonetheless. As the two countries from which Stalinism and Reformism emerged, understanding the degeneration of Russian and German socialism is crucial to developing a holistic and informed contemporary Marxist perspective.

Difficulty: 4/10

#5 The Left Hemisphere: Mapping Critical Theory Today

Serving in many ways as a part two for Woods’ History of Philosophy, this book helps to map out the general thinking and ideas of some contemporary leftist thinkers, giving you the chance to further explore ones you find interesting and assess the weaknesses and strengths of others. More than anything else, this book makes you think about how capitalism manifests today and what has changed and what hasn’t. It is also a great starting point to venture down your own personal route of interest, and so I thought it would be the best place to end my 5 initial recommendations.

Difficulty: 6/10

Books on: Actually Existing Socialism

#1 State Capitalism in Russia

Once again whether a Trotskyist or not, Cliff’s appraisal of the Stalinist period in the USSR is invaluable in providing a plethora of information and perspective with which to play with, as well as informing the reader on the dramatic changes in Russian society between the 20s and 30s. Rather than a moralist, reactionary attack on the USSR Cliff adopts a strong materialist analysis of the state that exposes its limitations and backwardness. Unfortunately the republished version which I have is currently impossible to find online, but you can either read the pdf online or buy a second hand older version.

Difficulty: 5/10

#2 Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949-1990

The #1 best book on getting a holistic and accurate understanding of the GDR, a state which is so often simply reduced down to the Stasi and Berlin Wall. Not only is the book informative but also an entertaining and simple read. Hoyer explains the highs and lows of German socialism, its different periods and unique attempt at building life beyond capitalism. Whilst certainly not uncritical (especially during the Stalinist period) Hoyer undoes many of the myths around the GDR and brings attention to many of its forgotten victories. At a time when life in East Germany is more alienated and despairing than ever, this book reminds us that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Difficulty: 2/10

#3 Riding the Wave: Sweden’s Integration into the Imperialist World System

This book serves as an expose of social democracy and its limitations. Whilst aspects of Lausen’s criticisms can feel contrived at times, the text develops throughout and by its end has more than surpassed its goal. Mainly I put this book on this list because of the interesting questions it raises around capitalism as an international system and the way in which capitalist countries operate as parts of one whole system, rather than in a vacuum. For those of you who may have wondered why can’t we all just be Switzerland or Norway, this is the book to read.

Difficulty: 4/10

#4 Proletarian China: A Century of Chinese Labour

A book that offers quick snapshots of life for Chinese workers over the last 100 years, helping to inform the reader on the class struggle in China and the history of the working class in the country. Whilst it doesn’t serve as a holistic analysis of Chinese communism, the sections on a wide range of topics provide a huge amount of detail on some key events from which generalisations can be made. Covering everything from the repression of workers in pre-communist China to the Great Leap Forward and the lives of sex workers in modern China, this book helps cover a lot in a way which is broken down and easily digestible.

Difficulty: 4/10

#5 China: From Permanent Revolution to Counter-Revolution

In many ways the complete opposite to Proletarian China, this book is the complete in depth account of Chinese communism. Whereas Proletarian China makes important points through anecdotes, storytelling and the human perspective, here Roberts zooms out focusing on the gritty details and facts. Whilst certainly informative this style can be a bit boring at times, and this read is perhaps more educational and less entertaining than some of the others on this list. Still, a must read for those wanting to know all the details on the Chinese revolution and its development.

Difficulty: 5/10

Books on: Left Failure

#1 Red Internationalism: Anti-Imperialism and Human Rights in the Global Sixties and Seventies

A truly fascinating read that explains how anti-imperialism and Marxist internationalism was gradually replaced with liberal NGO ‘activism’ over the 70s and 80s and why this change took place. This text raises lots of important questions about the limitations and contradictions within the Leninist and Maoist movements of the 60s and 70s, and provokes readers into interrogating how such a sudden collapse took place. For me this book was foundational in understanding the harm caused by nationalism on the socialist movement, but I’m sure others will form their own conclusions. What makes this book special however (like all other texts on this list) is that it forces you to think for yourself.

Difficulty: 5/10

#2 If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution

This book focuses on the failures of the Left in the 2000s and 2010s, attempting to explain why so many movements have been hijacked by the fascists whilst socialist mass movements have fizzled out with little to no material victories. In a number of ways Bevins attributes this to the influence of anarchist and anti-Leninist thinking, and it certainly appears to be a perspective that is hard to argue with. Whilst highly informative, the book still maintains much of a narrative style which keeps it engaging and an easy read. If you want to learn a little on holiday but don’t want to sweat too much this is a good book to pick up.

Difficulty: 3/10

#3 The New Spirit of Capitalism

Now I won’t pretend this book is the most thrilling read. Detailing the changes in management and bureaucracy in France between the 70s, 80s and 90s this book explains how French capitalism co-opted and twisted the revolutionary ideas of May ‘68 to create a new neoliberal model that hid its exploitation behind a facade of individualist emancipation. Whilst not exciting, there are important gems of knowledge in this book that will enrich a readers’ understanding of neoliberalism and its relation to the May ‘68 movement.

Difficulty: 7/10

#4 The Fire Last Time: 1968 and After

Addressing one of the most revolutionary years in the history of humanity, Harman walks the reader through the events of 1968 around the world, from the revolution in France to riots in the US and the Prague Spring in Eastern Europe. This book will enrich any readers understanding of socialist history and the world events that have shaped much of the Left today. Once again there is lots of room for a readers’ own conclusions to be formed, but what this book does is provide information on many of the events that took place, and it is up to the reader to decide why so many ended in failure.

Difficulty: 4/10

#5 Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War

Another easy holiday entry for beginners, this new book by Ash Sarkar seeks to explain why the Right has been so effective in winning the ‘Culture Wars’, advocating for a new materialist and Marxist approach that orientates itself around class and material conditions, instead of minority rival identities. Overall the book is both relatable and accessible, offering a well researched critique of the liberal left and the identity politics which has gripped it over the last decade.

Difficulty: 1/10

Books On: The Crimes of Capitalism

#1 The Jakarta Method

This book dives into the work of the CIA and anti-communists in Indonesia and Latin America, exposing how western imperialism massacred millions to stop the possibility of new socialist states. Very engaging and easy to read, this will likely shock those who still think ‘our government would never do that’. Good choice to recommend to a family member of friend who wants to learn more about history and the Cold War.

Difficulty: 3/10

#2 The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

The second best selling book by Naomi Klein, Shock Doctrine is an insightful historical account. For those still convinced that capitalism is based on freedom and democracy, this book shows the reality - that neoliberalism is in fact dependent on extreme violence and authoritarianism to break the will and resistance of the working class. Another easy and introductory read that explains some of the background events that gave rise to the neoliberal model we now contend with today.

Difficulty: 2/10

#3 Washington Bullets: A History of the Cia, Coups, and Assassinations

Whilst similar in focus to the Jakarta Method, Washington Bullets takes a more broad approach, touching on many more stories across history and the world. Rather self explanatory, this book will give you a new found appreciation for the very real challenges faced by socialists in the third world during the Cold War.

Difficulty: 3/10

#4 My Lai: Vietnam, 1968, and the Descent into Darkness

There will always be a difference between knowledge of a tragic event and learning about it in all its intimate and human detail. In this book Jones accounts the details of the infamous massacre, and no horror is forgotten. However bad you think it was in your head, after reading this you will realise it was in fact much worse. As opposed to many of the other books on this list, My Lai zooms in on a singular horrific moment and allows you to appreciate its true devastation in this way.

Difficulty: 3/10

#5 The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge

Perhaps one of the only non socialist/Marxist authors recommended here, Preston’s renowned work as an English language Spanish historian makes up for it. Detailing this incredibly interesting and complex period in Spain’s history, the book again serves as an optimal starting point for Marxist readers to question why exactly the Spanish revolutionaries did not succeed and what lessons can be learnt for the future. Preston suggests his own ideas here and there, and it's up to you to decide their validity.

Difficulty: 2/10

Special Mentions

All of these books I had to mention because I personally found them quite thought provoking, plus Tariq Ali’s Churchill book which is just interesting more than anything else.

#1 24/7: Late Capitalism and the Ends of Sleep

#2 The Holocaust Industry: Reflections on the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering

#3 Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?

#4 The Japanese Ideology: A Marxist Critique of Liberalism and Fascism

#5 Winston Churchill: His Times, His Crimes

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