The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Study of Communism in Early YearsBy Bertrand Russell
Length5h 59m
About this audiobook
The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism is Bertrand Russell's lucid, unsettling response to his 1920 visit to Soviet Russia, combining travel observation, political analysis, and philosophical critique. Written in a clear, unsentimental prose characteristic of Russell's public essays, the book distinguishes between Bolshevism as an ideal of revolutionary emancipation and as a governing practice marked by coercion, dogmatism, and economic dislocation. It belongs to the turbulent postwar literature of revolution, when European intellectuals were forced to confront both the promise and the dangers of Marxist power. Russell, already renowned as a logician, philosopher, pacifist, and social critic, approached Russia neither as a reactionary opponent of socialism nor as an uncritical admirer. His imprisonment during the First World War for antiwar activism and his lifelong concern with justice made him receptive to radical reform; yet his liberal temperament, suspicion of fanaticism, and commitment to individual freedom sharpened his objections to Leninist authoritarianism. This book is recommended to readers interested in political philosophy, Soviet history, and the moral responsibilities of intellectuals. It remains valuable because Russell judges revolution with sympathy but without illusion, offering a disciplined warning against sacrificing liberty to doctrinal certainty.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 4.4 (122)
Includes Amazon
GenrePolitics and Government
Length5 hrs 59 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 11, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
Show all chaptersShow less
6Preface
7Part I. The Present Condition of Russia
8I. What is Hoped from Bolshevism
9II. General Characteristics
10III. Lenin, Trotsky and Gorky
11IV. Art and Education
12V. Communism and the Soviet Constitution
13VI. The Failure of Russian Industry
14VII. Daily Life in Moscow
15VIII. Town and Country
16IX. International Policy
17Part II. Bolshevik Theory
18I. The Materialistic Theory of History
19II. Deciding Forces in Politics
20III. Bolshevik Criticism of Democracy
21IV. Revolution and Dictatorship
22V. Mechanism and the Individual
23VI. Why Russian Communism has Failed
24VII. Conditions for the Success of Communism
25Analysis
26Reflection
27Memorable Quotes
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