Selected political writings, (Writings of the Left) [Hardcover]

James Connolly (Author)

Book Description

Series: Writings of the Left | Publication Date: 1973

In 1916, James Connolly was executed by the British for his part in the Easter Rising. His early activism in the Scottish labour movement; his pioneering socialism in Ireland; his involvement in the American Labour movement; his activity as a union organizer back in Ireland; his revolutionary stand against World War I; and his ultimately fatal leadership of the 1916 uprising for Irish independence, all point to a crucial figure in the development of the workers' movement during one of its most intriguing phases. A tireless political worker and a prolific writer, Connolly's thinking on nationalism and imperialism had an influence on Lenin and he is regarded by many as one of the founders of 20th-century Irish nationalism. This book of his writings draws together some of his most representative work.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Berresford Ellis has published widely on Irish and Celtic history and culture, including the now classic A History of the Irish Working Class, also available from Pluto Press. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 382 pages
• Publisher: Cape (1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0224008846
• ISBN-13: 978-0224008846
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,495,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any student of modern Irish History., August 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: James Connolly: Selected Writings (Paperback)

I borrowed this book from a friend and had to obtain a copy for my own personal library.

The introduction is so moving that anyone interested in modern Irish History will not put it down.

Connolly's viewpoints on Socialism, Nationalism, and the Catholic Church lifted an enormous cloud of confusion I have had since my early schooldays in Belfast.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, July 28, 2007

By 

Matthew (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Connolly: Selected Writings (Paperback)

I once heard that Lenin was a great admirer of Connolly, and having just finished Guerrilla Days In Ireland by Tom Barry I though it would be a good idea to learn a little more about the origins of the IRA by reading Connolly so I purchased this book. What I found was a writer far more accessible that the likes or Marx or Lenin who at times can be a little difficult to read for the layman. Connolly speaks the simple unadulterated truth and I have to agree with my fellow reviewer, Connolly has definitely removed a cloud of confusion in my mind on the conflict in Ireland.

On a personal note I am a former member of the Industrial Workers of the World, Connolly was also a member of the union and like any socialist worth his salt he was a union organizer, Connolly reiterated in my mind the importance of putting economic action before political action. Like any good student of Connolly I feel I must quote him...

"The enrollment of the workers in unions patterned closely after the structure of modern industries, and following the organic lines of industrial development, is par excellence, the swiftest, safest and most peaceful form of constructive work the socialist can engage in. It prepares within the framework of capitalist society the working forms of the Socialist Republic, and thus, while increasing the resisting power of the worker against present encroachments of the capitalist class, it familiarizes him with the idea that the union he is helping to build up is destined to supplant that class in the control of the industry in which he is employed.
The power of this idea to transform the dry detail work of trade union organization into the constructive work of revolutionary socialism and thus to make the unimaginative trade unionist a potent factor in the launching of a new system of society cannot be overestimated." (Socialism made easy)

This is one of those books where as I'm reading it I found myself tearing up little strips of paper book marking numerous pages to be reread and quoted, I find it easy now to understand why he is so influential.