Description
Book SynopsisA sharp, funny, and engaging introduction to socialist ideas, movements, and solutions for a world in crisis.
Now with 50% more socialism!
Socialism…Seriously is a warm and witty introduction to the radical traditions of protest and politics that stretch from Karl Marx through today’s movements for democracy, equality, and a livable planet. In this thoroughly revised and expanded edition, Danny Katch uses humor and imagination to take an unflinching look at the rising threats posed by climate change, billionaire oligarchs, and the far right—and makes a compelling case that a socialist world is both necessary and possible.
Katch separates the lies spun by capitalism’s defenders from the system’s brutal realities, and is candid about debates and challenges facing the socialist movement today. This book is for people who want to take a deeper look at what socialism is… but maybe not that deep.
Sincere, irreverent, informative, and playful, Socialism… Seriously is a unique and timely contribution to our movements for justice.
Trade Review"[W]ith his humorous dissecting of the inanities of capitalism and his ability to make socialist ideas accessible and attractive, Katch makes a compelling case throughout his book for why we should still do everything we can to bring such a world into existence." —The Indypendent
“Socialism… Seriously is a refreshing embrace of socialism as an alternative to the greed, inequality, racism and xenophobia of the capitalist world we are living in.”
—Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation
“Give this book to your grandma, your mailman, to everyone except your boss—it’s the most fun and accessible introduction to socialist ideas I’ve ever read.”
—Anand Gopal, author of No Good Men Among the Living
“Read Socialism… Seriously, then pass it on to a friend. It's the perfect gateway drug to becoming the full-throttled socialist organizer that you've been waiting for.”
—Hadas Thier, author of A People’s Guide to Capitalism
“Capitalism was a system built to be skewered. But to do it right, you need the political chops and you need to know how to make the jokes. Danny Katch checks every box and his Socialism….Seriously is a necessary book.”
—Dave Zirin, author of The Kaepernick Effect
“Everyone* will love this book.”
*Billionaires, multi-million dollar corporations, and yacht-owning CEOs not included.
—Judah Friedlander, World Champion
“I've been waiting for someone to write this book—a lighthearted, easy read that packs an intro course on socialism into a short volume. With jokes that made me laugh out loud, and a lot of heart. Socialism is for lovers. Indeed.”
—Sarah Jaffe, author of Work Won't Love You Back
“The promise of a more lovely world is worth our best energies and our sustained commitment—Danny Katch shows us that socialism is for lovers, not losers.”
—Bill Ayers, author of Demand the Impossible!
“Danny Katch brings the socialist vision to life.”
—Bhaskar Sunkara, editor of Jacobin
Table of ContentsIntroduction
2040: A Cold Day in Philadelphia
Part I: The End?
1 All is Not Lost
2 Ghost Stories
Part II: Capitalism
3 Welcome to the Jungle
4 Freedom and the Fine Print
5 The Deep State
Part III: Socialism
6 Workers Power
7 Land Back
8 Revolution?
9 Wait, is this Communism?
Part IV: The Beginning
2040: A Hot Day in Queens
10 Will Socialism be Boring?
11 Is Socialism a Religion? Should it Be?
Conclusion: Here’s Exactly What To Do When You Finish this Book
