The first task of any budding Marxist is to conquer, to really understand, Marxist theory. Marxists place enormous emphasis on theory not for academic or intellectual reasons, but because we are serious about changing society. We need not just to make this or that change, but to finally do away with class society, oppression and injustice. Such a task requires the utmost clarity, sobriety of thought, and patience. Developing an understanding of the ‘long view of history’, the ebbs and flows of the class struggle and its lessons, is vital if we are to build an organisation capable of meeting these tasks.
But do not be intimidated. We have provided for you a clear, step by step list of Marxist classics, covering all the key areas of theory, from economics to history and philosophy. Here you will also find reading guides for many of these texts, which should help you to understand and apply them.
Finally, we run many reading groups across the country covering the classics of Marxism. If you are interested in attending one of these, please head over to socialist.net/join and fill out the form. Make sure to tick the box ‘Join an online reading group’ and we’ll be in touch!
This is an introduction to all the main aspects of Marxist theory. It is accessible but does not dumb down the theory.
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The Classics of Marxism: Volume 1
This collection comprises four of the most important texts in Marxism, from its four greatest theoreticians. Purchase from Wellred Books as part of the Classics of Marxism Vol 1 (+ ebook).
The founding document of Marxism, more relevant today than when it was written. A masterpiece that manages to sum up Marxist theory and the class struggle in only around 30 pages! Reading guide available (+ PDF).
Friedrich Engels gives an outline of the scientific and materialist theory of history that is Marxism. Reading guide available (+ PDF).
Lenin brilliantly sums up the Marxist theory of the state, why revolutionaries must destroy the bourgeois state, and what they must replace it with. Reading guide available (+ PDF).
Highly relevant for our crisis ridden times, the founding document of the Fourth International outlines the method Marxists must adopt to connect the concrete struggles of the working class with the revolutionary programme of socialism. Reading guide available (+ PDF).
The Classics of Marxism: Volume 2
Volume two of this collection comprises another five of the most important texts in Marxism, from its four greatest theoreticians. Purchase from Wellred Books as part of the Classics of Marxism Vol 2 (+ ebook).
Marx explains why workers struggles for higher wages are not the cause of inflation, and what the real bases of capitalist crisis are.
Reading guide available (+ PDF).
Marx summarises his economic theory succinctly and clearly. Essential for grasping the laws of capitalism. Reading guide available (+ PDF).
Lenin masterfully criticises ultra-leftism and sectarianism, and explains how revolutionaries must also be flexible in their tactics to win over the majority of workers. Reading guide (+ PDF).
Trotsky eloquently and passionately defends the Russian revolution.
Trotsky explains what Stalinism is and why it is the counter-revolutionary opposite of Bolshevism.
Lenin’s classic analysis of imperialism, in which he reveals the economic basis of imperialism in highly developed capitalism.
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Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
A helpful summary with study questions. Download the PDF.
Marx very briefly explains the materialist and scientific conception of history.
Purchase from Wellred Books as part of Marx' Early writings.
Purchase from Wellred Books as part of Marx' Early writings.
Trotsky very briefly and clearly explains the materialist philosophy of Marxism.
Purchase from Wellred Books as part of the book In Defence of Marxism (also available as an ebook).
Purchase from Wellred Books as part of the book In Defence of Marxism (also available as an ebook).
A polemic in which Engels argues forcefully for the correctness of Marxist theory and in doing so gives the reader all the best arguments for scientific socialism.
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A brilliant historical materialist explanation of the profound changes society has passed through. Engels explains the basis of the oppression of women and the state, and how they are not timeless, eternal phenomena, but merely products of history that did not exist for thousands of years, and under socialism will once again cease to exist.
Trotsky explains the decisive importance of revolutionary leadership to successfully overthrowing capitalism.
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Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
See also Alan Woods' review The Revolution Betrayed – a Marxist masterpiece and Ted Grant's book Russia: From Revolution to Counter-Revolution.
A summary of Trotsky’s theory of revolution in the colonial and backwards parts of the world in the imperialist epoch. Part of Trotsky's larger work on the permanent revolution.
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A sharp criticism of the sectarianism of the leaders of the Fourth International after Trotsky’s death, and what the real method of Marxism is
A brilliant defence of Lenin and Trotsky and their democratic, revolutionary methods.
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An easy to understand, chapter by chapter breakdown of Marx’s masterpiece. Also make sure to check out our Capital in a day video series!
The real history of the Bolshevik party, the most revolutionary organisation in history. Full of essential lessons for revolutionaries today.
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Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
A brilliant explanation of Marxist philosophy and how modern science has come to similar conclusions.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
Trotsky’s criticism of petty bourgeois ideas and methods. Important for those wanting to argue against liberal dilettantes.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
A clear and comprehensive history of the German revolution, the reasons why it ultimately failed and led to the fascist counter-revolution. Full of lessons for Marxists today.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
Purchase from Wellred Books in paper copy or as an ebook.
