Description
Book Synopsis: Iskra Books is proud to publish the first authorized English edition of Domenico Losurdo's now-mythic text, Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend-translated for the first time from the original Italian. Operating under the assumption that the prevalent rejection of, or dismissiveness about, Josef Stalin as a historical figure merits closer and critical inspection, Losurdo encourages readers to make up their own mind on Stalin, rather than to uncritically accept received, popular notions. In fact, it is precisely the now-widespread caricatures of Stalin as personified evil-rife in liberal democracies and uncritically accepted by most Western leftists-that Losurdo shows to be more related to contingent ruling class preoccupations than actual evidence. Even pointing out such problems with conventional representations of Stalin brought a shower of accusations of "Stalinism" or "neo-Stalinism" upon Losurdo, who made it clear that the text of Stalin was not a rehabilitation but a contribution to contextualizing and ending the demonization of Stalin, who was even, in 1946, praised by Gandhi.
Losurdo's work on the historical representations of Stalin, as well as other works like it, is perhaps more vital today than it ever has been. With the passage of time, we become further removed from the contemporary voices challenging the construction of what has become the hegemonic view of Stalin. Losurdo teaches us, among other things, that historical contextualization and coeval comparisons are crucial to testing one's political philosophy and principles, to deepening our knowledge of socialist history, and, at the same time, a key to dismantling bourgeois ideologies.
"Domenico Losurdo's Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend recaptures the distorted personal and political narrative proffered by western historians for over 75 years. This magisterial work convincingly counters the biased distortions of both establishment and left historians through a balanced historiographic and philosophical exegesis of Stalin's complex life and leadership, as well as his contribution to socialism and the defeat of fascism. Losurdo's heretical counter-hegemonic history authentically counters the mythical, demonic figure into a true-to-life biography of the most significant political figure of the 20th century. Fifteen years after its publication in Italian, Henry Hakamäki and Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro's superb translation brings Losurdo's compelling corrective of Stalin to English readers."
Immanuel Ness, Author of Southern Insurgency: The Coming of the Global Working Class
"In this intrepid and rigorous study, Domenico Losurdo takes on the myth of the monster by shedding much-needed light on the monstrous situation in which Joseph Stalin found himself: that of building the world's first socialist state under conditions of incessant imperialist assault, civil war, subversive plots, fascist invasion, and the risks of nuclear annihilation. Losurdo's dialectical assessment of the commendable as well as the deplorable decisions made by Soviet leadership, given the circumstances, provides the reader with an extraordinary opportunity to learn practical and difficult lessons from concrete history. This book is thus an essential antidote to the terrifying tales whose purpose is to produce fear-induced ignorance, and thus benighted ideological alignment against 'the monster.'"
Gabriel Rockhill, Founding Director of the Critical Theory Workshop / Atelier de Théorie Critique, Professor of Philosophy at Villanova University
Details
Discover the truth about Josef Stalin with Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend. This groundbreaking book, translated for the first time from the original Italian, challenges the prevalent rejection of Stalin as a historical figure. Domenico Losurdo encourages readers to critically examine and form their own opinions on Stalin, instead of blindly accepting popular notions. Don't let the caricatures of Stalin as personified evil deceive you - Losurdo reveals that they are more influenced by ruling class preoccupations than actual evidence. Experience a fresh perspective on Stalin's legacy.
Are you tired of the biased distortions surrounding Stalin's life and leadership? Domenico Losurdo's Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend sets the record straight. This magisterial work offers a balanced and authentic historiographic analysis of Stalin's complex journey, his contributions to socialism, and the defeat of fascism. It is time to reject the mythical and demonic figure portrayed by Western historians for over 75 years. Embrace a true-to-life biography that unveils the most significant political figure of the 20th century. This is your chance to dive into history and gain a deeper understanding of Stalin's impact.
In today's world, it is essential to challenge and contextualize historical narratives. With Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend, Domenico Losurdo teaches us the importance of examining political philosophy and principles through historical contextualization and coeval comparisons. Engage in a thought-provoking journey that will expand your knowledge of socialist history and dismantle bourgeois ideologies. This book is a powerful tool for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the past and its influence on the present.
Get your copy of Stalin: History and Critique of a Black Legend now and uncover the truth about one of the most controversial figures in history. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective and challenge the prevailing narratives. Start your journey towards a deeper understanding of Stalin's legacy today.
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