Description
Book SynopsisPrelude to Revolution is an essential history of the May 1968 protests and upheaval in France, during which French workers staged the first wildcat general strike in history and the largest general strike to this day. Daniel Singer discusses how these actions changed the world. Prelude to Revolution is the indispensable study of May 1968. Many generations have looked to older editions of this book for inspiration. Singer was widely considered the most adept interpreter of European politics for American audiences. He shows here how change happens - and why it is needed.
Trade Review"If Marx had been living in Paris during May 1968, he might have written this book."New Republic "An intimate and intricate account of the events in Paris by one who knew almost every cobblestone in the Latin Quarter." Michael Foot "Daniel Singer is the left's most brilliant arsonist. He sets ablaze whole forests of dessicated cliches about the end of history' and the triumph of the market' in order to light the way forward for the next generation of radical thinkers and activists." -- Mike Davis "Daniel Singer is the premier progressive interpreter of European affairs. His courageous vision and sophisticated analysis gives us hope even in this ice age of fashionable neoliberalism and conservatism." -- Cornel West "I can think of no journalist more versed, more hip to what is happening in Europe today than Daniel Singer. -- Studs Terkel
"If Marx had been living in Paris during May 1968, he might have written this book."—New Republic "An intimate and intricate account of the events in Paris by one who knew almost every cobblestone in the Latin Quarter." —Michael Foot "Daniel Singer is the left's most brilliant arsonist. He sets ablaze whole forests of dessicated cliches about the end of history' and the triumph of the market' in order to light the way forward for the next generation of radical thinkers and activists." -- Mike Davis "Daniel Singer is the premier progressive interpreter of European affairs. His courageous vision and sophisticated analysis gives us hope even in this ice age of fashionable neoliberalism and conservatism." -- Cornel West "I can think of no journalist more versed, more hip to what is happening in Europe today than Daniel Singer. -- Studs Terkel
Table of ContentsPreface vii Part One The meaning of May 1 Part Two The Hidden Powder Keg 37 University in Turmoil 41 Society in Flux 69 "A Class for Itself"? 91 The Dynamics of Youth, or Angry Young Men 106 Part Three The Explosion 113 The Student Uprising (May 3–May 13) 115 The Workers Take Over (May 14–May 27) 152 How Not to Seize Power (May 27– May 31) 186 From General Strike to General Election 206 PART FOUR The Fallout 221 No Peasants on Their Backs 223 Anarchy and Dual Power 232 The "New Proletarians"? 243 Cultural Revolution 260 The Would–Be Soviets 269 The Negative Hero 276 PART FIVE In Search of the Future 297 The End of Marginalism 299 Without a Model 322 The Unwithering State 349 Tests for a Strategy 365 The International Dimension 389 Age of Conflict or Age of Resolution? 404 Abbreviations 411 Index 415
