
Communism
A Very Short Introduction
Leslie Holmes(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 27. August 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-0-19-955154-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
Very readable and with its wealth of detail a most valuable reference book. * Gwyn Griffiths, Morning Star *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
15 b&w halftones
Dimensions
Height: 174 mm
Width: 112 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
148 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-955154-5 (9780199551545)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
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?.
Author
Professor of Political Science and Deputy Director of the Contemporary Europe Research Centre, University of Melbourne
Content
1. The theory of communism ; 2. A brief history of communism in power ; 3. The political system of communism ; 4. The economic system of communism ; 5. The social structures of communism ; 6. Communism's international allegiances ; 7. The collapse of communist power and the future