Overview
In this combative, controversial book, Terry Eagleton takes issue with the prejudice that Marxism is dead and done with. Taking ten of the most common objections to Marxism—that it leads to political tyranny, that it reduces everything to the economic, that it is a form of historical determinism, and so on—he demonstrates in each case what a woeful travesty of Marx's own thought these assumptions are. In a world in which capitalism has been shaken to its roots by some major crises, Why Marx Was Right is as urgent and timely as it is brave and candid. Written with Eagleton's familiar wit, humor, and clarity, it will attract an audience far beyond the confines of academia.
Editorials
The Christian Century
"Reading a book by Terry Eagleton is like watching fireworks. . . . The list of Marxism's shortcomings is common coinage, and Eagleton offers convincing counterarguments."—Dennis O'Brien, Christian Century
— Dennis O'Brien
Guardian
'Each of the chapters of this erudite and breezy ... tract begins with a series of asssertions about Marx and Marxism, which Eagleton then proceeds to debunk ... through excursions into philosophy, political practice and literary analogy. ... Polemically charged and enjoyable.' - Guardian
— Owen Hatherley
Irish Times
“…… A short, witty, and highly accessible jaunt through Marx’s thought in preparation for the second coming.”—Frank Barry, Irish Times— Frank Barry
PopMatters
"Eagleton is a compelling writer and raconteur... He’s a witty, insightful thinker with a penchant for glib asides and wry dashes of humor. It’s probably the only book that makes references to Tiger Woods and Mel Gibson along with Charles Fourier and Michel Foucault."—Michael Patrick Brady
— Michael Patrick Brady
The Scotsman
“Not so much a good read as a romp, this is an irresistibly lively, and thought-provoking essay.”—Michael Kerrigan, The Scotsman
— Michael Kerrigan
Morning Star
“Why Marx Was Right is no abstract argumentation but an eloquent, fact-based rebuttal of the usual criticisms of Marxism.”—John Green, Morning Star— John Green
Socialist Worker
“This is a wonderful book that every socialist should have on their bookshelves.”—Gareth Jenkins, Socialist Worker— Gareth Jenkins
Bookslut
"Professor Eagleton covers the spectrum of critiques of Marxian ideas like only an actual critic of Marx could. As such, most of the rebuttals to these critiques are well contrived and incredibly sharp."—Greg Linster, Bookslut
— Greg Linster
Marx & Philosophy Review of Books
"Why Marx Was Right is designed for a wide audience and deserves one. With flair, sparkling wit, and no fear of vigorous rebuttal, Eagleton's book seeks to address some of the most often heard criticisms of Marx and Marxist thought. . . . Terry Eagleton has taken much of the best the Marxist tradition has to offer in thinking about class, nature, revolution, history, and many such grand subjects, and summarized it briefly with clarity, intelligence, and a sense of humor. And for this he deserves our thanks."—Matthijs Krul, Marx & Philosophy Review of Books— Matthijs Krul
The Tablet (Books of the Year)
“….Refreshing and challenging…. [A] most compelling read.”—Michael O’Sullivan, The Tablet (Books of the Year)— Michael O'Sullivan