Arguments for Socialism by Tony Benn

by Tony Benn

Page edges tanned, owner's inscription. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Political Science, Philosophy

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1979

About the author

Anthony Neil Wedgwood "Tony" Benn, PC, formerly 2nd Viscount Stansgate, was a British Labour Party politician. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1951 until 2001, and was a Cabinet Minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan in the 1960s and 1970s. After his retirement from the House of Commons, he continued his activism and served as president of the Stop the War Coalition.

Reviews

[Ali Khosravi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tony Benn had a great encyclopedic knowledge of the radical history of Britain from the Peasant's revolt to the 70s labour governent in which he served. In this book he presetns good general arguments on why and how to introduce socialistic measures in every aspect of the British economy and further democratising UK's political institutions.
The statistics referenced are mostly out of date and the arguments are made for a world and a type of economy which no longer exists. But the book can still be treated as a hsitorical text with a left wing presepctive. It would be interesting if the Editor, Chris Mulin, could update the book and adapt it for Corbyn's labour party.

[Jacca · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The story of British democracy is the conversion of privileges into rights."

I finally found the time in my lunch breaks to finish this. I'm not going to pretend this a whirlwind ride or that it says anything particularly influential if you're in tune with British socialist ideas already.

It may be outdated but many of Benn's arguments remain poignant. The structure of our Parliament and how it is composed. Concerns relating to military infrastructure and particularly the autonomy and secrecy of secret services. The security and importance of our own privacy, god to think how he would balk at the digital age we live in now.

Very interesting sections on Europe and his dislike for the EEC which strongly suggest had I been in a position to vote to remain a part of Europe's institutions when we first joined, I would certainly have voted to leave. How the times change.

I read this book because my mum admired Tony Benn and as a close friend and ideological partner to Jeremy Corbyn I felt it significant to educate myself more on his politics. He was truly the Corbyn of his time, from his beliefs, outlooks, down to his persecution and criticisms.

Overall I wouldn't recommend you read this book regardless of your persuasion or political interests. It's full of figures and arguments that are no longer relevant and whilst the reflection looks deep into British history, much of the speculation and ambition is looking into the coming decade of the 1980s. There are many solid, backed up, educated, admirable and still relevant arguments for socialism here but you'd be far, far better off reading something current and relating to our current or modern climate for socialist ideas for present Britain.

[Chester Bennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although somewhat dated, an interesting read for both it's far-seeing relevance (it is scary how accurate many of Benn's predictions were!) and as a counterpoint to show how some things have changed very little and how our political situation could still benefit from many of his suggested solutions.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although much of the specific information was mostly relevant to only 1970s Britain, the principles Christian socialist Tony Benn puts forward in this book are still highly applicable to America today.

[Ian Humphries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the years I've become a fan of Tony Benn. Not because I'm in complete agreement with him on everything, but because I agree with him on one crucial thing, the importance of transparent governance, honesty, democracy, Parliament and that the people can be trusted to decide their future. Compare that to the 'ming vase' strategy of today and the open contempt of the people, particularly the working classes shown by all politicians, but in particular the Labour Party. Benn would be ashamed of them.
As the title suggests, this is Benn's blueprint for socialism. There is much here that I don't agree with, particularly on the economics, but much that I do. Benn's passion for the nation and it's people is obvious, something the current Labour Party has completely forgotten. He foretold the destruction of UK industry by our joining the EEC and warned of the risks of signing away sovereignty, he was right about that too. The book's relevance for today's world is never more striking than his warnings about digital ID which he was rightly opposed to.
Political ideas don't become obscure, they just go out of fashion. Benn went out of fashion, but the book demonstrates that much of his core beliefs would have been very popular today. A politician that has faith in the people. Imagine that.

[CW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the mid 70’s but his views and observations are reflected in recently Labour Party policies.
Interesting views on the EEC and the socialism. No real appreciation for how the industrial world would change because of China and Asia.

[Louise Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit outdated, only 1/6 of the book seemed to be actual arguments for socialism (unless I am missing something) a lot of banging on about the EEC