Socialism: Past and Future

Michael Harrington

Skyhorse Publishing Inc., 2011 - Political Science - 320 pages

On learning his cancer was inoperable, renowned intellectual Michael Harrington simply asked the doctors to keep him alive long enough "to complete a summary statement of the themes I had thought of throughout an activist life.” And they did. Socialism: Past and Future is prominent thinker Michael Harrington’s final contribution: a thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate treatise on the role of socialism both past and present in modern society. He is convincing in his application of classic socialist theory to current economic situations and modern political systems, and he examines the validity of the idea of "visionary gradualism” in bringing about a socialist agenda. He believes that if freedom and justice are to survive into the next century, the socialist movement will be a critical factor. This is the definitive text on the role of socialism throughout history which Publishers Weekly calls "succinct, readable” and the New York Times says "has a lively air of optimism and boldly challenges traditional ideas.”

In this passionate book, the late Michael Harrington draws on a lifetime of thinking and politicking to reject much that has passed for socialism and to define the new forms that will make it the only "hope for human freedom and justice” (Foreign Affairs) in the twenty-first century.

What people are saying

Socialism: past and future

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

As this may be Harrington's last major work (he is battling inoperable cancer), it is worthy of careful attention even though it covers some familiar territory. It is both a condensation of and a ...

User Review -

This book provokes ideas to envision the future of human societies. this further encourges us to chalk out new thoughts for human social development based on truth, justice and equal opportunities for poor people to develop. Michael Harrington politicisez situation poverty in the best interests of poor without damaging rich and wealthier. 

About the author

Michael Harrington was an American democratic socialist, bestselling writer, political activist, professor of political science, NPR commentator, atheist, and founder of the Democratic Socialists of America. He is also credited with coining the term "neoconservatism" in the 1970s. A major figure of the American left, Harrington is the author of eighteen books including The Other America: Poverty in the United States , The Social-Industrial Complex , The Twilight of Capitalism , and his autobiography The Long Distance Runner . He passed away in 1989.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Socialism: Past and Future; Online access: HeinOnLine HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated Library
• Author: Michael Harrington
• Edition: reprint
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Inc., 2011
• ISBN: 1611453356, 9781611453355
• Length: 320 pages
• Subjects: Political Science / History & Theory; Political Science / Political Ideologies / Communism, Post-Communism & Socialism