Customer Reviews

Adventures in Marxism

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rarely does an author combine such comprehensive knowledge of his subject and such deep love of it with the language to convey both. A masterpiece. Forcefully conveys why the ideas of Karl Marx remain current in the 21st century and how they can bring inspiration to those who still aspire to a society in which 'the free development of each is condition of the free development of all."

Berman engages the reader through a fun romp through a variety of essays that span 50 years. A dialogue between Arthur Miller and the young Marx interplaying throughout the streets of New York City and discussions of modernity. Berman is brilliant at illuminating the culture which continues to feed a spirit of resistance, proving that the New Left, never really died but was crowded out by the New Right. Lays the basis for revitalized discourse for the next left.

I bought this hoping it'd be a good starting point on learning about Marx. Was not dissapointed here. I also thought, thanks to the cartoon cover, the book would be an easy read. But nope, this youngster had some trouble with Berman's style of writing! :(

Oh yea, a correction.. many reviews say Berman was giving away copies fo the Communist Manifesto to his friends and family as a youngster. This is not true... he was giving away Marx's Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844. Not that this is really relevant to why or why you should not check this book out... *anticipates a lot of "No, this review was not helpful" marks*

First let me say what I appreciated about this book. Berman is a serious intellectual with an enormous amount of knowledge to share about not only Marxism but literature, philosophy and history as well. He joyfully describes his youthful adoration of Marx's "Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844," written by a younger and perhaps more spiritually vibrant Marx. Berman comes across not at all as a dogmatist. But rather as a very learned and thoughtful scholar. His intention with this book is to place Marx firmly within his proper place in the German humanist/romantic tradition, alongside Goethe and many others. Also Berman never makes excuses for the failures of Communism in the "real world". But readily admits that the tanks in Budapest and the purges of Stalin were a nightmare, as the Randy Newman song quoted in his preface states "If Marx were alive today, He'd be rolling around in his grave".

Of course, Berman, like Marx, is also a hopeless idealist who believes that the positive potential of human society is still virtually untapped and that revolutionary change for the better is still in the process of unfolding. Furthermore, Berman sees Marx as a still useful and important voice for the Western radical humanist movement that began with the French Revolution and was continued by numerous Communists and anarchists through the 1960's counterculture to the radical activists of today and beyond. Personally, I thinks Berman is probably too optimistic in his outlook on the future of humanity and the societies that we will likely create. But still I respect his point of view on this subject. Whether Marx will continue to be a useful voice is also highly debatable. Certainly Marx is a serious thinker with some valid things to say. But the truth is that Marx's ideas were perverted, by Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot and others, to justify some of the most brutal atrocities of the 20th century. So, for most people, Marx's name will always be tainted by these murderous tyrants as well as the ultimate failure of Communism to succeed as a viable alternative to capitalism.

I would still give this book 5 stars if it were written as a congruent whole. But instead it is actually quite choppy to read, as it is essentially a series of essays and book reviews Berman wrote between 1963-1988. Also it's hard to imagine who the targeted audience for this book would be. It is definitely not intended as a basic introduction to Marx and Marxism. Also most firebrand orthodox Marxists would probably not appreciate it, as it is definitely more philosophical musings than fiery dogma. Still Berman is a good writer with some interesting points to make. So this is probably worthwhile reading for those that are interested.

This collection of essays provides instructive and sometimes critical insights into Marx's works and their implications in the modern context. Berman has produced an enjoyable read overall. I found it thought-provoking to say the least. I recommend the book for anyone interested in Marxist thinking, irrespective of one's political point-of-view.

For some reason, I was expecting to read original essays on Marxism. Instead, what Berman's book contains is a collection of book reviews he's had published in an assortment of magazines and one, lengthy, original essay titled "All That Is Solid Melts Into Air," which Berman had already wrote an entire book on! Then, I found this humorous, he has an article attacking a reviewer who didn't entirely agree with the book's views on modernity. Berman's writing style is enjoyable to read and he is humorous, but over over and over again in this book, I kept reading the same passages from Marx's Manifesto and Capital in different reviews, which became slightly annoying. Overall, Berman is a good writer, and thanks to a few of Berman's book reviews, I have some more reading to do. But next time, I hope Berman has something original to say when he writes a book. I felt like the reviews in the book were put together just for the sake of having a book published.

As a proud anti-communist, I like to keep a look-out for how the spectre of Marxism will next rear its ugly totalitarian head. The answer will not be found in this book which is merely a collection of minor essays from an enthusiastic intellectual. There is nothing in this book for even the most doctrinaire Marxist religionist to clamor for revolution over. Rather, for instance, we have an essay from as far back as 1979 arguing that Marxism is not dead. The only reason to make such an argument, of course, is because the creed was on life-support.

In 1989, the creed died and deserved its death. But absent the necrotic creed, the powerful ideas can expand. Marxism will always exist and Marx is valuable as an early, historical critic of economies. Good capitalists can learn from him and profit.