Description
Book SynopsisThe writings of Karl Marx explored the tensions between the laws of socialist science and a utopian longing for socialism; between a science of history and a prophetic hope based on moral and ethical ideals. His writings examined history and argued for the necessity of communism to achieve the moral ideal of utopia. Although Marx was the last great utopian, his work has been adapted in Russia and China to rationalize and justify totalitarian regimes, but it has also inspired Western utopian writers like Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse, and Ernst Bloch. What''s Left? Marxism, Utopianism and the Revolt against History, explores what remains of the Marxist and Utopian Left after the death of totalitarian utopianism and authoritarian state socialism and how Marxism still provides a powerful critique of present day globalization.
Trade ReviewJack Luzkow's book, What's Left? Marxism, Utopianism and the Revolt against History, offers a new and refreshing re-interpretation of Karl Marx. Just as important, Dr. Luzkow demonstrates that radical utopianism offers a way forward in a world that more and more appears to have no exit. -- Professor Ali Arshad, College of Sante Fe
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgements Part 3 Part I: From Marxist Utopianism to Socialist Totalitarianism Chapter 4 Chapter 1. Karl Marx: The Last Great Utopian Chapter 5 Chapter 2. From Marxism-Leninism to Stalinist Utopianism Chapter 6 Chapter 3. China, Chairman Mao and Peasant Utopianism Part 7 Part II: Marxism, Humanism, and the Revolt Against History Chapter 8 Chapter 4. Walter Benjamin: Between Mysticism and Marxism Chapter 9 Chapter 5. Ernst Bloch: Between Jesus and Marx Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Herbert Marcuse: Between Marx and Freud Chapter 11 Chapter 7. Andre Gorz: From Red to Green Utopia Chapter 12 Chapter 8. Conclusion: What's Left? Part 13 Endnotes Part 14 Bibliography Part 15 Index Part 16 About the Author
