Edward Grant (born Isaac Blank; 9 July 1913 – 20 July 2006) was a South African Trotskyist who spent most of his adult life in Britain. He was a founding member of the group Militant and later Socialist Appeal.
A fantastic series of articles. Wondering what the hell happened to Marxism after Trotsky was assassinated, why the 4th International degerated into a sectarian shitshow? Why it is that any revolutionary worth their salt defends the gains of the October revolution of 1917, despite the totalitarian nightmare it became under the leadership of Stalin? How it is we can understand the Chinese revolution of Mao, or the Yugoslav revolution of Tito, both of which led to Stalinistic regimes, but which represented historically progressive achievements holding many lessons relevant in today's world?
One man dedicated his life to applying, and therefore preserving, the fundamental method of Marx and Engels, and as used masterfully by both Lenin and Trotsky. Anyone who yearns for understanding, and seeks to follow in their footsteps ought read what Ted Grant had to say about these critical issues.
Against the Theory of State Capitalism is one of my favorite pieces ever. A perfect examination of the law of value, commodities and surplus in a workers state, a brilliant practical example of dialectics in the analysis of partial vs complete nationalization of industry, and generally a reminder of why a clear understanding will always surpass subjective impressions.
I wish this book was in print - this particular collection of articles is excellent.
Truly astounding. Contains writings on tye Soviet Union through the 50s and 90s; China; the debate on state capitalism; the balance of imperialist powers after WWII; the permanent revolution applied to Indonesia; bonapartism in the excolonial countries. All sorts. Highly recommend