Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Reading a book by Terry Eagleton is like watching fireworks. . . . The list of Marxism's shortcomings is common coinage, and Eagleton offers convincing counterarguments."—Dennis O'Brien, Christian Century Dennis O'Brien
Review
“[An] excellent book”—Owen Hatherley, The Guardian The Christian Century
Review
“…… A short, witty, and highly accessible jaunt through Marxs thought in preparation for the second coming.”—Frank Barry, Irish Times Owen Hatherley - Guardian
Review
"A lively defense. . . . Eagleton offers a richer, more complex and nuanced picture of the father of modern socialism. . . . Throughout, the author is witty, entertaining, and incisive."—Publishers Weekly Frank Barry - Irish Times
Review
'Each of the chapters of this erudite and breezy ... tract begins with a series of asssertions about Marx and Marxism, which Eagleton then proceeds to debunk ... through excursions into philosophy, political practice and literary analogy. ... Polemically charged and enjoyable.' - Guardian The Christian Century
Review
"Eagleton is a compelling writer and raconteur... Hes a witty, insightful thinker with a penchant for glib asides and wry dashes of humor. Its probably the only book that makes references to Tiger Woods and Mel Gibson along with Charles Fourier and Michel Foucault."—Michael Patrick Brady Publishers Weekly
Review
“Not so much a good read as a romp, this is an irresistibly lively, and thought-provoking essay.”—Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman Michael Patrick Brady - PopMatters
Review
“Why Marx Was Right is no abstract argumentation but an eloquent, fact-based rebuttal of the usual criticisms of Marxism.”—John Green, Morning Star Michael Kerrigan - The Scotsman
Review
“This is a wonderful book that every socialist should have on their bookshelves.”—Gareth Jenkins, Socialist Worker John Green - Morning Star
Review
"Professor Eagleton covers the spectrum of critiques of Marxian ideas like only an actual critic of Marx could. As such, most of the rebuttals to these critiques are well contrived and incredibly sharp."—Greg Linster, Bookslut Gareth Jenkins - Socialist Worker
Review
"Why Marx Was Right is designed for a wide audience and deserves one. With flair, sparkling wit, and no fear of vigorous rebuttal, Eagleton's book seeks to address some of the most often heard criticisms of Marx and Marxist thought. . . . Terry Eagleton has taken much of the best the Marxist tradition has to offer in thinking about class, nature, revolution, history, and many such grand subjects, and summarized it briefly with clarity, intelligence, and a sense of humor. And for this he deserves our thanks."—Matthijs Krul, Marx & Philosophy Review of Books Greg Linster - Bookslut
Review
“….Refreshing and challenging…. [A] most compelling read.”—Michael OSullivan, The Tablet (Books of the Year) Matthijs Krul - Marx and Philosophy Review of Books
Review
"Terry Eagleton takes on some of the most common objections to Marxism and answers each in turn, in a clear, non-technical and often humorous way."—London Review of Books
Synopsis
In this combative, controversial book, Terry Eagleton takes issue with the prejudice that Marxism is dead and done with. Taking ten of the most common objections to Marxism that it leads to political tyranny, that it reduces everything to the economic, that it is a form of historical determinism, and so on he demonstrates in each case what a woeful travesty of Marx's own thought these assumptions are. In a world in which capitalism has been shaken to its roots by some major crises, Why Marx Was Right is as urgent and timely as it is brave and candid. Written with Eagleton's familiar wit, humor, and clarity, it will attract an audience far beyond the confines of academia."
Synopsis
One of the foremost Marxist critics of his generation forcefully argues against Marx's irrelevancy
In this combative, controversial book, Terry Eagleton takes issue with the prejudice that Marxism is dead and done with. Taking ten of the most common objections to Marxism--that it leads to political tyranny, that it reduces everything to the economic, that it is a form of historical determinism, and so on--he demonstrates in each case what a woeful travesty of Marx's own thought these assumptions are. In a world in which capitalism has been shaken to its roots by some major crises, Why Marx Was Right is as urgent and timely as it is brave and candid. Written with Eagleton's familiar wit, humor, and clarity, it will attract an audience far beyond the confines of academia.
About the Author
Terry Eagleton is currently Distinguished Professor of English Literature at the University of Lancaster, England, and Professor of Cultural Theory at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He lives in Dublin.