» Left Program Reading List

Left Program Reading List

Sex-Pol	Wilhelm Reich, edited by Lee Baxandall, Vintage Books Very good, especially the essay “What is Class Consciousness” which should be must reading for the left.
Workers’ Councils	Anton Pannekoek, Root and Branch An important short exposition of the ideas of Council Communism. Easy to read, clear, and a fine example of Marxist thought that goes beyond Classical weaknesses, especially those of the Leninist ‘Party worshipers.’
Pedagogy of the Oppressed	Paulo Freire, Herder and Herder Enlightening on consciousness and methods of education but very difficult to read — a peculiar combination of insight about communication, and poor style for communicating.
False Promises	Stanley Aronowitz, McGraw-Hill Book Company A modern Council Communist perspective with improvements due to better cultural and psychological insights.
Strategy for Labor	Andre Gorz, Beacon Press A modern discussion of revolutionary possibilities and of the role of reform struggles within a revolutionary process.
Socialism and Revolution	Andre Gorz, Anchor Books Wide ranging essays on the problems of revolutionary strategy and socialist practice. Excellent throughout.
Stop The Killing Train	Michael Albert, South End Press This book does not simply say no to the killing train. It says yes to justice and liberation, offering detailed glimpses of what society could be like and strategic advice for how to get there. “Michael Albert elevates common sense to an art form, he’s funny, crotchety, irreverent, and—at all times—absolutely on your side!” —Barbara Ehrenreich
The Trajectory of Change	Michael Albert, South End Press “The Trajectory of Change could just as easily been entitled ‘passing the word’ because it summarizes some of the key lessons—pluses and minuses—of the work of the US Left over the last 30+ years. These are lessons and observations of great value to all activists, but especially those new to progressive and Left politics. Written in an accessible manner and profoundly thought-provoking, this book helps us to remember that a movement of resistance to oppression is essential; a movement with vision and strategy is compelling.” —Bill Fletcher, Jr., National organizer for the Black Radical Congress