During the first decades of the twentieth century, Rosa Luxemburg was the leader of the workers' movement in Poland and Germany. She made a remarkable contribution to socialist theory and practice, yet her legacy remains in dispute. In this book Norman Geras interrogates and refutes the myths that have developed around her work. She was an opponent of socialist participation in the First World War and, as Geras shows, her views on socialist strategy in Russia were closer to Lenin's than any other leader's. Geras explores the development of Luxemburg's critique in the period following the war and demonstrates how her thought is distinct from the social democratic or anarchist theories into which it is often subsumed. Geras brings new light to bear on one of the most misrepresented figures in radical history, illustrating her inspiring lack of complacency and her commitment to questioning those in authority on both the Right and the Left.

An important contribution to our understanding of twentieth-century Marxism

About the Author
Norman Geras (1943-2013) was Professor of Government at the University of Manchester. His books include Solidarity in the Conversation of Humankind and Marx and Human Nature.

Reviews
This is a useful and thoughtful book, in which the power and originality of Rosa Luxemburg's thinking emerges. -- E H Carr * Times Literary Supplement *
Geras's book is indispensable for a proper understanding of Luxemburg. * Books and Bookmen *



Book Information
ISBN 9781781688717
Author Norman Geras
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Verso Books
Publisher Verso Books
Weight(grams) 271g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 15mm