Alienation: Marx's Conception of Man in a Capitalist Society (Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics) [Paperback]

Bertell Ollman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052129083X | ISBN-13: 978-0521290838 | Publication Date: January 28, 1977 | Edition: 2

In this book, the most thorough account of Marx's theory of alienation yet to have appeared in English, Professor Ollman reconstructs the theory from its constituent parts and offers it as a vantage point from which to view the rest of Marxism. The book further contains a detailed examination of Marx's philosophy of internal relations, the much neglected logical foudation of his method, and provides a systematic account of Marx's conception of human nature. Because of its almost unique concern with helping readers understand Marx's unusual use of language, Alienation has proven very popular in university courses on Marxism on both undergraduate and graduate levels. The first edition was widely reviewed, and in this new edition Professor Ollman replies to his critics in 'More on internal relations,' published here as Appendix II. In addition to this new appendix the author now provides a more systematic discussion of Marx's theory of ideology, elements of which were formerly dispersed throughout the book. He also attempts to set the treatment of political alienation within the broader framework of Marx's theory of the state as a model of how an approach based on internal relations can be used to integrate various apparently contradictory interpretations of Marx's views.

Editorial Reviews

Review

' ... a remarkable book ... Ollman has discovered a kind of Ariadne's thread through the maze of Marxian linguistic problems ... brilliant and illuminating.' New York Review of Books

'Ollman's book distinguishes itself from the rest by virtue of its scholarly concentration, readability, sobriety and above all relevance to issues which are central, not only to an understanding of marx, but also (even more importantly) to an understanding of the complex world which Marx himself endeavored to comprehend and describe.' Political Studies

' ... as authoritative and comprehensive a study as any I have read. But the striking originality of the book lies in its method, in the preliminary alanysis which Ollman undertakes to study Marx's 'peculiar' use of terms.' Science and Society

Book Description

Revised throughout with an entirely new chapter, "In Defense of Internal Relations," and with replies to critical comments on the 1st edition, which the N.Y. Review of Books called "a remarkable book...brilliant and illuminating."

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (January 28, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052129083X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521290838
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is insightful, intelligent and a must have!, June 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Alienation: Marx's Conception of Man in a Capitalist Society (Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics) (Paperback)

Alienation is the state of 99.99% of man today. Only a few rare people overcome it, and go on to achieve the human development of Bertell Ollman. His book must be read. His insights and understanding enable you to stand on the shoulders of giants. A truly wonderful learning experience.