Historical Dictionary of Socialism

Reviews / Votes

This fourth edition of The Historical Dictionary of Socialism, which updates the third edition (CH, Jan'17, 54-2055), will serve as a research tool for advanced undergraduates and established scholars alike. Lamb provides a guide to the leaders of socialism, whether political leaders, trade unionists, or theorists, as well as an extended bibliography of the history of socialism. The topic, needless to say, is enormous, not least of all because socialism is, to use the author's word, "schismatic." Lamb considers Fabians, Revisionists, suffragists, anarchists, authoritarians, terrorists, and practitioners of state capitalism, and gives special attention to the events of the past decade-Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez receive their due. Many readers will find that the author is at his best when discussing the leading thinkers of socialism, including Antonio Gramsci and Herbert Marcuse. For political scientists this reference will prove to be a treasury of statistics that address the outcomes of political elections throughout the world. Lamb deserves special commendation for his attention to the Third World and for his discussions of what socialists saw as essential-e.g., equality, social services, and the elimination of racism and nuclear weaponry. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty. * Choice Reviews *