Category: Monthly Review Press /

Ruth First and Joe Slovo in the War against Apartheid reviewed in The Washington Socialist

February 20, 2024

As the world was saying goodbye to Nelson Mandela in early December, I had my nose in Alan Wieder's well-researched new biography Ruth First and Joe Slovo in the War Against Apartheid (Monthly Review, 2013). First, Slovo and Mandela were part of an ensemble of revolutionary comrades who together reshaped South Africa from the 1950s to the end of apartheid in 1991. The book is full of these and other familiar characters in a level of detail that would impress the most ardent Talmudic scholar. Wieder's research involved hours and hours of interviews and immersing himself in court records, other documents and the personal papers of Slovo, First and others from the apartheid era.

Back in Print! The Military Art of People’s War: Selected Writings of General Vo Nguyen Giap

February 20, 2024

This collection includes the major writings of General Giap, who, on the evidence of his record as well as his theoretical work, has long been recognized as one of the military geniuses of modern times. The book includes writings from the 1940s to the end of the 1960s and is presented here with a valuable historical introduction by Russell Stetler.

Read an excerpt from An Introduction to the Three Volumes of Karl Marx’s Capital in Recomposition

February 20, 2024

When Marx took up a comprehensive critique of political economy at the end of the 1850s, he also intended to write a book on the state. Marx planned a total of six books: on capital, landed property, wage-labor, the state, foreign trade, and the world market. In terms of range of content, the three volumes of Capital approximately comprise the first three books. The planned book on the state was never written; in Capital there are only isolated references to the state.

Two MR Press Books named CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles

February 20, 2024

We're pleased to announce that An Introduction to the Three Volumes of Karl Marx's Capital by Michael Heinrich and Race in Cuba by Esteban Morales Domínguez have been named Outstanding Academic Titles by CHOICE, the magazine of academic libraries.

Grace Lee Boggs in NYC: 2/6, NYU; 2/7, Barnard

February 20, 2024

Join Monthly Review Press author, philosopher, and veteran activist Grace Lee Boggs for two special events in New York City: a conversation with Professor Melissa Harris-Perry and other guests at New York University and a screening of the film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs at Barnard College.

Lettuce Wars reviewed by VOXXI

February 20, 2024

Bruce Neuburger dedicated five years to write about his life as a farmworker in the fields of the rich Salinas Valley, California in his new book, Lettuce Wars, which takes readers on a unique voyage written by an activist who worked 10 years as a farmworker between 1970 and 1980... Lettuce Wars is one of the very few well-documented books recently published dealing with the farmworkers' movement from a different perspective other than the "official story" published by the UFW, giving voice to the many anonymous workers and activists who fought for their dignity and a better life for them and their families.

It should be a mandatory reference for those who want to know more about those turbulent years and the life of farmworkers.

Thoughts on Nelson Mandela by Alan Wieder, author of Ruth First and Joe Slovo in the War against Apartheid

February 20, 2024

Long-time South African educator and President of the New Unity Movement, R. O. Dudley had a quote that he used when speaking of various iconic South African struggle leaders: He "had arms, not wings." It is a phrase that we should remember when speaking of the late Nelson Mandela, but unfortunately, press coverage in the United States as well as throughout the world has turned Madiba into a Hallmark greeting card figure. And while Mandela's role as a freedom fighter and the major force for reconciliation in the new democratic South Africa should be honored and celebrated, we must remember that we are talking about a complex revolutionary, and also a complex politician.

Monthly Review Gift Subscription with Free Book!

February 20, 2024

Give the gift of Monthly Review this holiday season! For the special price of $29, give someone a 1-year subscription to Monthly Review, along with a free book. Choose from An Introduction to the Three Volumes of Marx's Capital by Michael Heinrich, or The Implosion of Contemporary Capitalism by Samir Amin.

Ronnie Kasrils discusses Nelson Mandela on Democracy Now!

February 20, 2024

Ronnie Kasrils was a leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Minister of Intelligence in the post-apartheid government, and author of The Unlikely Secret Agent, published by Monthly Review Press. He's interviewed on Democracy Now!, discussing his relationship with Nelson Mandela and how the ANC's economic views have shifted.