Marx: A Beginner's Guide

Description

Although one of the most influential thinkers of the last millennium, Karl Marx was relatively unheralded during most of his lifetime. Famous for predicting the inevitable demise of capitalism, it was only after his death that his immortal clarion call reached a wide audience: "Workers of the world unite - you have nothing to lose but your chains." Andrew Collier breathes new life into the achievements of Karl Marx, arguing that his work is still of vital relevance in today's global climate of inequality. Covering all the elements of Marxist thought from his early writings to his masterpiece, Das Kapital, Collier probes the apparent inconsistencies in Marx's work and reclaims him as a philosopher and political theorist. This jargon-free introduction is a timely reminder of his undiminished influence, and will fascinate students, activists and interested readers alike.

Andrew Collier is Professor of Philosophy at the Univeristy of Southampton. He has lectured on Marx, Critical Theory and Radical Politics for 30 years and his publications include 'Critical Realism' (Verso 1998) and 'Being and Worth' (Routledge, 1999), in addition to numerous articles.

"A superb new introduction to Marx's thought. Andrew Collier draws readers into this discussion with the relaxed grace and wit of a valued conversation partner, and demonstrates why Marxian thought continues to find an audience in the twenty-first century." Mark Rupert, Professor of Political Science, Syracuse University and author of Ideologies of Globalization"Collier has written a first-rate introduction to Karl Marx. He surveys the full range of Marx's writings with lucidity and intelligence." Warren Breckman, Associate Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania, and author of Marx, the Young Hegelians, and the Origins of Radical Social Theory