The Socialist Manifesto

This book is a history of socialism, and a pretty accessible one. I was expecting more of a manifesto (because of the title...), but the final section is really the only thing approaching that. And even then, it's not really a manifesto in style or substance.

This is a great historical introduction to socialist projects, but if you're looking for a fiery defense of socialism you should look elsewhere.

And pointers to what the US in particular needs to move socialism forward. It’s a nice complement to Politics is for Power, which I recommend more.

Did miss the warmer (ok, funnier) tone of the first section as Sunkara moved on to Socialism's history and the prescriptive final section. Minor quibble. It's smart, he writes with clarity & the tripartite structure is helpful.

This relatively short book has a lot in it. It’s designed as a basic course in the history of socialism and socialist thought, and as such will be of considerable use to many of today’s new socialists, who know what they oppose but maybe not what they stand for or why.