Books by Paul Le Blanc

A remarkable collection of essays illuminating Rosa Luxemburg's tremendous contributions to revolutionary struggle and enduring relevance.

A panoramic account of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and its aftermath animated by the lives, ideas and experiences of workers, peasants, intellectuals, artists, and revolutionaries of diverse persuasions October Song vividly narrates the triumphs of those who struggled for a new society and created a revolutionary workers state. Yet despite profoundly democratic and humanistic aspirations, the revolution is eventually defeated by violence and authoritarianism.October Song highlights both positive and negative lessons of this historic struggle for human liberation.

A new critical biography of Leon Trotsky, a strong leader of Soviets and one of the most important figures of twentieth-century Communism. This biography delves deep into Trotsky's life and relationships to reveal and understand his complex character and actions.

Analysing intersections of race, class, and gender alongside primary texts, this unique volume explores racism and antiracism in the US.

';His aim is to make the history of labor in the U.S. more accessible to students and the general reader. He succeeds' (Booklist). In a blend of economic, social, and political history, Paul LeBlanc shows how important labor issues have been, and continue to be, in the forging of our nation. Within a broad analytical framework, he highlights issues of class, gender, race, and ethnicity, and includes the views of key figures of United States labor. The result is a thought-provoking look at centuries of American history from a perspective that is too often ignored or forgotten. ';An excellent overview, enhanced by a valuable glossary.' Elaine Bernard, director of the Harvard Trade Union Program

For generations, historians of the right, left, and center have all debated the best way to understand V. I. Lenins role in shaping the Bolshevik party in the years leading up to the Russian Revolution. At their worst, these studies locate his influence in the forcefulness of his personality. At their best, they show how Lenin moved other Bolsheviks through patient argument and political debate. Yet remarkably few have attempted to document the ways his ideas changed, or how they were in turn shaped by the party he played such a central role in building.In this thorough, concise, and accessible introduction to Lenins theory and practice of revolutionary politics, Paul Le Blanc gives a vibrant sense of the historical context of the socialist movement (in Russia and abroad) from which Lenins ideas about revolutionary organization spring. What emerges from Le Blancs partisan yet measured account is an image of a collaborative, ever adaptive, and dynamically engaged network of revolutionary activists who formed the core of the Bolshevik party.

Trotsky's own words on revolutionary organization, from 1917 to 1940, highlight the dynamics of democratic initiative and principled centralism.

A stimulating collection of essays on the revolutionary socialist Vladimir Lenin that survey fierce controversies over his life and ideas.