The collapse of communism was one of the most defining moments of the twentieth century. At its peak, more than a third of the world's population had lived under communist power. What is communism? Where did the idea come from and what attracted people to it? What is the future for communism? This Very Short Introduction considers these questions and more in the search to explore and understand communism. Explaining the theory behind its ideology, and examining the history and mindset behind its political, economic and social structures, Leslie Holmes examines the highs and lows of communist power and its future in today's world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About the Author
Leslie Holmes is Professor of Political Science and Deputy Director of the Contemporary Europe Research Centre at the University of Melbourne. He has researched communism and post-communism for almost forty years. He is the author of The Policy Process in Communist States, Politics in the Communist World, The End of Communist Power, Post-Communism, and Rotten States?.

Reviews
Very readable and with its wealth of detail a most valuable reference book. * Gwyn Griffiths, Morning Star *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199551545
Author Leslie Holmes
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 160g
Dimensions(mm) 174mm * 111mm * 10mm