Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition 2nd Edition

by Cedric J. Robinson (Author, Preface), Robin D. G. Kelley (Foreword)

11 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0807848296

ISBN-10: 0807848298

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In this ambitious work, first published in 1983, Cedric Robinson demonstrates that efforts to understand black people's history of resistance solely through the prism of Marxist theory are incomplete and inaccurate. Marxist analyses tend to presuppose European models of history and experience that downplay the significance of black people and black communities as agents of change and resistance. Black radicalism must be linked to the traditions of Africa and the unique experiences of blacks on western continents, Robinson argues, and any analyses of African American history need to acknowledge this.

To illustrate his argument, Robinson traces the emergence of Marxist ideology in Europe, the resistance by blacks in historically oppressive environments, and the influence of both of these traditions on such important twentieth-century black radical thinkers as W. E. B. Du Bois, C. L. R. James, and Richard Wright.

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Robinson rejects previous studies of black radicalism on the basis that they are founded on European history, which does not include blacks. Although he does trace European Marxism, for him the path of black resistance lies in other areas. A must-have volume for any black studies curriculum, this volume is also something public libraries will want. This edition of the 1983 original sports a new preface by Robinson.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"I can say, without a trace of hyperbole, that this book changed my life.

Robin D. G. Kelley, from the Foreword"

"Black Marxism" provides a well-documented foundation upon which to build ideological and mass social movements."Phylon"

"A towering achievement. There is simply nothing like it in the history of black radical thought.

Cornel West, "Monthly Review""

"Reflective and thought-provoking, a welcome contribution to the African/Afro-American studies discipline.

"Canadian Review of Studies in Nationalism""

I can say, without a trace of hyperbole, that this book changed my life.

Robin D. G. Kelley, from the Foreword

A towering achievement. There is simply nothing like it in the history of black radical thought.

Cornel West, "Monthly Review"

Reflective and thought-provoking, a welcome contribution to the African/Afro-American studies discipline.

"Canadian Review of Studies in Nationalism"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product details

Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press; 2nd edition (January 24, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0807848298
ISBN-13: 978-0807848296
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.2 x 9.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 11 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #23 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Political Ideologies
- #27 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > African
- #35 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Political History

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A complicated and rewarding read that will challenge your worldview, for the better. Absolutely vital.

October 16, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The fact that "Black Marxism" has largely been ignored by academic communities until now is a genuine disservice to the work Robinson has done here. The book reads as an elegant, pragmatic, and compelling argument that essentially fleshes out the ways in which capitalism's very foundation is racism (and specifically, he argues that capitalism actually produced race in order to justify mistreatment of a slave-working class), and therefore racism cannot be extricated from a capitalist society. Robinson also traces black histories and radical movements in contrast to white historical narratives which have dominated global discourse as a matter of systemic oppression. He gives these histories and movements separate space from Eurocentric histories (as well as traditional Marxism) and is adamantly opposed to the idea that black traditions developed out of white traditions instead of independently from them. There is so much more to be said about this book--things that you will have to hear Robinson tell firsthand to really understand. A word of caution, however: this is not a text for the faint of heart. It is long, it is steeped in complicated terminology, it is referential to a wide number of other critical theories and histories which you will need to at least google in order to understand. But if you labor through this, it will really change your worldview in a dramatic way. Even if you consider yourself to be knowledgeable in Marxism, Robinson will apply the work in ways that go fair beyond any other project dealing with the place and performance of race and ethnicity in Marxist theories, and he will prove ultimately that Black Radicalism was never and could never be a mere subset of Marxism (and to suggest otherwise would be to whitewash history.) I would suggest purchasing the Kindle version of this book, as you will be able to use the Kindle app's in-text dictionary to help you with the terminology. I also suggest keeping multiple colors of highlights and notes in order to annotate the text/track ideas for better comprehension. Finally, it is extremely helpful to use the Kindle App annotation review pane; I tended to re-skim my notes as I read to make sure I understood correctly, and sorting notes by color helped me trace the development of key themes.

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Robert Gordh

This is a brilliant book which distinguishes between the Marxist radical tradition and ...

August 2, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is a brilliant book which distinguishes between the Marxist radical tradition and the Black radical tradition, compares them, and insightfully explores the historical relationship between the two. Robinson examines the writings of three profound Black political thinkers, W.E.B. Du Bois, C.R.L. James and Richard Wright and finds that in each case the thinker, though deeply influenced by Marxism, ultimately found it inadequate and in need of being complemented by the Black radical tradition.

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D. Zachary

Black Radical Thought and a History of Capitalism

March 3, 2013

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Cedric Robinson in Black Marxism has extensively researched the historical conditions and forces that created capitalism. His knowledge and research regarding the history of European racism, labor and especially slavery, as more nuanced and complex than originally put forth by Marx. He critiques Marx's eurocentrism and short-sighted view of history and revolution. His major supposition is that slavery is and has always been the driving force behind capitalism.

Even if you are not interested in Marxism, the completeness of the survey of the Irish, the Slavs, the Italians, and the arc of history that highlights subjugation and opportunity within these distinct nationalities thta led to the advancement of the capitalists project.

6 people found this helpful

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April 23, 2013

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Robinson's vital text connects a sovereign and autonomous black radical tradition with the more commonly understood Marxist caricature that most famous our infamous African American leaders, philosophers and activists are associated with, rightly or wrongly...

It should be more widely read and discussed as the republicrat policies post integration continue to fail the black masses in America.

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Thomas K DeShazor

It's good, very informative

April 13, 2014

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In some instances, the sources that Robinson quotes from the 1800s are easier to understand and are more to the point than his interpretation of events. He's done a wonderful job of providing historical context.

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September 24, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A dense read requiring much knowledge of history but it is well worth every minute dedicated comprehending this incredible work.

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russell woodward

Good deep topic for people to mind.

July 21, 2016

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I've not read this, but will make a stab at it.

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September 30, 2016

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Very informative

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Most recent customer reviews

Gabby Oliver

A Bible of Africana Studies.

Published 6 months ago

Third World

Erudition at it's best

Upon completion of this treatise all readers should receive a Master's Degree in Black Studies. Robinson provides a detailed and complex study of Black Radicalism and Marxism's...Read more

Published on August 28, 2006

Brandon Hogan

A good study in Ideology

Obviously the first reviewer hasn't read the book. Robinson is arguing against a Marxist interpretation of the black radical struggle.Read more

Published on April 30, 2003

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