BOOK REVIEW: Marxism and Revisionism by Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin
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HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
Published in 1946, this book is a selection of short works from both Lenin and Stalin on the topic of revisionism and opportunism.
SUMMARY:
This short book contains a selection of short articles and chapters in which Lenin and Stalin discuss revisionism and opportunism. Some of Lenin’s selected works focus on the opportunism of the Second International, Plekhanov and the Mensheviks. Stalin’s two works featured in this book talk first about the contradictions and factionalism which occur in the development of the party and the second, a criticism of Slutsky’s “left” deviationist conception of the development and history of the party.
AUTHORSHIP: 9/10
The authorship in this book is extremely good. Lenin and Stalin both have very distinctive and passionate styles of writing, both of which are easy to understand. This book is also quite short and concise, concentrated on the question of revisionism and opportunism.
However, this book may be hard to follow for someone who does not already have a basic understanding of the history of the struggle against the second international and the struggle inside Russia from 1900–1930. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend it as a beginner text.
CURRENT IMPORTANCE: 8/10
The current importance of this book can not be understated. Whilst of course the historical particularities mentioned in this book — the struggle against revisionism present in the second-international and Russia, namely of Bernstein, Axelrod, Martov and Millerand — are not current, it is important to realise that these trends of opportunism and reformism, which manifest in tactics, strategy and methods of organisation, are still very much present today, but under a myriad of new names and disguises.
It is essential we understand the struggle of Lenin and Stalin against revisionism in order to apply their experience to the infestation of traitorous grifters, opportunists and revisionists of all hues who masquerade as Marxists.
“The ideological struggle waged by revolutionary Marxism against revisionism is but the prelude to the great revolutionary battles of the proletariat, which is marching forward to the complete victory of its cause despite all the waverings and weaknesses of the petty bourgeoisie.”
— Vladimir Lenin
THEORETICAL RIGOUR: 8/10
This source contains extremely important theoretical take-aways. Lenin and Stalin in these articles outline important features of revisionism, opportunism (both “left” and right), democratic centralism and party building. However, I would perhaps argue that due to the fragmented and short nature of these selection of works, they perhaps do not delve into revisionism in extreme theoretical depth, and don’t completely break down the basis and modus operandi of revisionism. For this reason I would advise supplementing this text with further texts such as (but not limited to):
Rosa Luxemburg — Reform or Revolution?
Focuses on Bernstein’s revisionism and the qualitative leap to imperialism in extreme depth.
Enver Hoxha — Eurocommunism is Anti-Communism
Focuses on Eurocommunism, Browderism and other forms of reformism in a great deal of depth.
Talks about the philosophical basis of modern revisionist theories.
OVERALL EVALUATION: 25/30
In sum, this is a great selection of works. I would recommend reading it. Since it is broken down into small articles, I found it really easy to read on the go. For instance, I whipped out the book from my bag and read some of the shorter articles by Lenin whilst waiting for the bus.
