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June 8, 2008
Max Mark's Modern Ideologies is quite a gem. The book effectively covers just about every noteworthy and influential ideological outlook from laissez-faire capitalism to racism. Mark also efficiently outlines the important figures of these many movements.
Although Modern Ideologies was published in 1973, it reads as if it was written this year. The book also has the added bonus of covering figures and issues that, although may be looked at as obscure by many today, actually played an important role in the American story from the 1960s - 1980s (Herbert Marcuse and 'The New Left' immediately comes to mind).
Lastly, I'd have to point out that one should not be fooled by the work's light notation - the text is spot on (the figures were fairly portrayed, and all historical data was accurate). Mark has the added virtue of practically never inserting his personal viewpoints or leanings into his recounts - and because the book deals with some of the most contentious and inflammatory topics of his day (Socialism, Communism, State/Welfare/Lessaiz-faire Capitalism, Black Nationalism, Apartheid, etc.), this is saying quite a bit.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to orient themselves in today's volatile polito-ideological environment.
Although Modern Ideologies was published in 1973, it reads as if it was written this year. The book also has the added bonus of covering figures and issues that, although may be looked at as obscure by many today, actually played an important role in the American story from the 1960s - 1980s (Herbert Marcuse and 'The New Left' immediately comes to mind).
Lastly, I'd have to point out that one should not be fooled by the work's light notation - the text is spot on (the figures were fairly portrayed, and all historical data was accurate). Mark has the added virtue of practically never inserting his personal viewpoints or leanings into his recounts - and because the book deals with some of the most contentious and inflammatory topics of his day (Socialism, Communism, State/Welfare/Lessaiz-faire Capitalism, Black Nationalism, Apartheid, etc.), this is saying quite a bit.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to orient themselves in today's volatile polito-ideological environment.
Displaying 1 of 1 review