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The Everything Guide to Understanding Socialism: The political, social, and economic concepts behind this complex theory
The word 'socialism' has exploded in modern society, and is a hot issue in the political world. Despite its sudden infamy, socialism's complex history stretches back nearly three centuries. This informative and impartial guide takes the reader through socialism's origins to its modern day interpretations, modern socialism's 18th century beginnings; types of socialism; basic constructs and beliefs; socialism in Eastern Europe and America; and, modern-day misconceptions. Featuring an unbiased and comprehensive view of this controversial theory, "The Everything Guide to Understanding Socialism" is the ultimate resource for readers who want to learn more about this age-old concept turned modern-day political firestorm.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
74 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Pamela D. Toler
11 books111 followersI'm an academic renegade
The first day of my PhD program at University of Chicago, my advisor said, "You know there are no jobs, right?" I knew, but I didn't care. I wanted to write about history for a broader audience than the other five people interested in my dissertation topic. I wanted to write for history buffs and nerdy kids and the general intelligent reader. (That would be you, right?)
Officially my degree is in the history of the Indian sub-continent, with strong sub-fields in European imperialism and Islam. I feel strongly that the West in general and Americans in particular need to know more about the history of other parts of the world. That belief is often reflected in the topics I choose to write about, whether I'm working on a small story (feather hats in ancient Peru, anyone?) or a big one (Mankind: the Story of All of Us).
These days I write about a wide range of historical topics for history buffs, nerdy kids and--you get the idea. On any given day I could be working on World War I recruiting posters, the mud mosques of West Africa, the first European translation of the Arabian Nights, Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, or the history of absinth. At least half the time I'm writing outside of "my field", exploring odd corners of the past with field-tested research skills, a red-hot library card, and a large bump of curiosity.
Basically, I'm interested in the times and places where two cultures meet and change each other. Come along for the ride.
The first day of my PhD program at University of Chicago, my advisor said, "You know there are no jobs, right?" I knew, but I didn't care. I wanted to write about history for a broader audience than the other five people interested in my dissertation topic. I wanted to write for history buffs and nerdy kids and the general intelligent reader. (That would be you, right?)
Officially my degree is in the history of the Indian sub-continent, with strong sub-fields in European imperialism and Islam. I feel strongly that the West in general and Americans in particular need to know more about the history of other parts of the world. That belief is often reflected in the topics I choose to write about, whether I'm working on a small story (feather hats in ancient Peru, anyone?) or a big one (Mankind: the Story of All of Us).
These days I write about a wide range of historical topics for history buffs, nerdy kids and--you get the idea. On any given day I could be working on World War I recruiting posters, the mud mosques of West Africa, the first European translation of the Arabian Nights, Napoleon's invasion of Egypt, or the history of absinth. At least half the time I'm writing outside of "my field", exploring odd corners of the past with field-tested research skills, a red-hot library card, and a large bump of curiosity.
Basically, I'm interested in the times and places where two cultures meet and change each other. Come along for the ride.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 6, 2021
This wasn't the book I was looking for. What I wanted was something that would explain, "This is what socialism is, and this is what it isn't."
What the book ended up being was a series of case studies ordered chronologically and then grouped geographically. But this isn't the way that I learn well. I needed a framework, some actual definitions to help me better process the case studies.
One thing I hoped for was, "If someone argues against socialism here's what they possibly mean and here's why it is or is not the case." The book does have that but it is literally the last two pages. And the responses are along the lines of "Mostly but not always" and "They're similar."
What the book ended up being was a series of case studies ordered chronologically and then grouped geographically. But this isn't the way that I learn well. I needed a framework, some actual definitions to help me better process the case studies.
One thing I hoped for was, "If someone argues against socialism here's what they possibly mean and here's why it is or is not the case." The book does have that but it is literally the last two pages. And the responses are along the lines of "Mostly but not always" and "They're similar."
April 25, 2023
Fascinating
I appreciate your name this book on kindle unlimited I've been wondering about the difference between socialism and communism it didn't answer that question
I appreciate your name this book on kindle unlimited I've been wondering about the difference between socialism and communism it didn't answer that question
January 6, 2020
Informativ
Informative, well written book that makes you think. Not so detailed that it's hard to understand. In fact, written for the readers who want and should be in the know. I recommend this for middle school and then to read again in every Social Studies class in American schools!
Informative, well written book that makes you think. Not so detailed that it's hard to understand. In fact, written for the readers who want and should be in the know. I recommend this for middle school and then to read again in every Social Studies class in American schools!
March 11, 2015
This is an introduction to the socialist movement. The author attempts to briefly define socialism and briefly examines dome of the events and developers of socialism. The use of unions is also discussed.
February 3, 2014
This book is excellent historical analogy of socialism from it's origin to the modern day. It describes the types of socialism & dispels the many "Red Scares" associated with Socialism
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews