Secondhand Politics, History & Philosophy Bargain Book Box DSH1050

Secondhand Politics, History & Philosophy Bargain Book Box

This intellectually stimulating collection of twenty books offers a deep dive into the political, historical, and sociological currents that shaped the modern world. It features foundational texts of Marxist theory and political philosophy alongside gripping histories of 20th-century revolutions in China, Mexico, and Algeria. The set also includes biographies of key figures like Mussolini and Lenin, social critiques from the 1960s, and classic explorations of mythology. From the philosophy of numbers to the grim realities of prison life, this box provides a wealth of material for the serious reader and student of the social sciences. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Biological Time Bomb by G. Rattray Taylor This forward-looking work from the late 1960s examines the rapid and often alarming advancements in biological sciences. Taylor warns of the ethical and social dilemmas posed by genetic engineering, organ transplantation, and mood control. It serves as a prophetic inquiry into the relationship between scientific progress and human morality. The book asks whether society is prepared to handle the power to manipulate life itself.

2. Benito Mussolini: The Rise and Fall of Il Duce by Christopher Hibbert This biography traces the dramatic arc of the Italian dictator, from his early days as a socialist agitator to his violent death. Hibbert examines the psychology of Mussolini and the political instability in Italy that allowed Fascism to take root. The narrative details his alliance with Hitler and the disastrous consequences of World War II. It provides a compelling portrait of a man consumed by the desire for absolute power.

3. Tyranny: A Study in the Abuse of Power by Maurice Latey Maurice Latey conducts a historical study of tyrants, ranging from the despots of antiquity to the dictators of the modern era. He analyzes the recurring patterns in the seizure and abuse of power across different civilizations and political systems. The book investigates the psychological makeup of tyrants and the societal weaknesses they exploit. It offers a timeless warning about the fragility of freedom and the nature of authoritarian rule.

4. We All Fall Down by Robin Clarke Robin Clarke presents a chilling investigation into the secrets of biological and chemical warfare research during the Cold War. The book exposes the terrifying potential of modern plagues and nerve gases developed by military scientists in secret labs. It argues against the secrecy and insanity of stockpiling weapons that could wipe out humanity. This is a sobering look at the darker side of scientific application for military purposes.

5. What is to be Done? by V.I. Lenin In this revolutionary pamphlet, Lenin lays out the organizational blueprint for the Bolshevik party and the Russian Revolution. He argues for a vanguard of professional revolutionaries to lead the working class to victory against the Tsarist regime. The text addresses the strategic questions and ideological struggles of the early 20th-century socialist movement. It remains a fundamental document for understanding the origins of Soviet communism.

6. Roman Myths by Michael Grant Michael Grant explores the distinctive mythology of Rome, separating it from its Greek counterparts to find its unique cultural character. He recounts the legends of the city's founding, including Romulus and Remus and the epic of the Aeneid. The book analyzes how these myths were used for political purposes to bolster the Roman state. It provides a fascinating look into the stories that shaped the identity of an ancient empire.

7. Zapata and the Mexican Revolution by John Womack Jr. This definitive history focuses on the peasant revolution in the state of Morelos and its charismatic leader, Emiliano Zapata. Womack details the struggle for land reform and the complex political maneuvering of the Mexican Revolution. The narrative captures the grassroots nature of the uprising and the enduring legacy of Zapatismo. It is a classic study of a people's fight for justice and their agrarian roots.

8. The Costs of Economic Growth by E.J. Mishan E.J. Mishan challenges the post-war consensus that economic growth is the ultimate measure of social progress and human happiness. He argues that the unbridled pursuit of growth has led to environmental degradation and a decline in the quality of life. The book was a pioneering work in environmental economics and social critique. It questions whether increased material wealth is worth the destruction of community and amenity.

9. A New Britannia by Humphrey McQueen Humphrey McQueen delivers a provocative revisionist history of Australia, challenging the romanticized view of the country's labor movement. He argues that Australian radicalism was driven more by racism and imperialism than by true socialist principles or solidarity. The book re-examines the social origins of Australian nationalism and the concept of the "fair go." It remains a controversial and influential text in Australian historiography.

10. The Cultural Revolution in China by Joan Robinson Written during the events it describes, this book offers a contemporary perspective on Mao's chaotic Cultural Revolution. Joan Robinson, a prominent economist, attempts to explain the political and social goals of the movement from a sympathetic viewpoint. While reflecting the limited information available at the time, it provides a valuable historical document. It analyzes the upheaval through the lens of Marxist theory and Chinese politics.

11. Men in Prison by Victor Serge Victor Serge draws on his own five years of incarceration to write this powerful novel about the psychological experience of prison. He describes the toll of isolation and the dehumanizing machinery of the French penal system on the individual. The narrative serves as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit under extreme duress. It is a classic of prison literature, blending political insight with intense personal observation.

12. The Bitter Heritage by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. Historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. offers a critical analysis of American involvement in the Vietnam War during the mid-1960s. He traces the history of the conflict and argues that it represents a betrayal of American democratic ideals and foreign policy traditions. The book calls for a re-evaluation of the war and a move towards a negotiated peace. It is a significant critique of the war from a leading liberal intellectual of the era.

13. The Algerian Problem by Edward Behr Edward Behr, a correspondent who witnessed the conflict, provides a detailed account of the Algerian War of Independence against France. He explores the complex roots of the rebellion, the brutality of the French response, and the political crisis it caused. The book examines the violent collision of colonial interests and Arab nationalism. It offers a balanced report on one of the most violent decolonization struggles in history.

14. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels This edition contains the explosive political pamphlet that changed the course of history and defined the communist movement. Marx and Engels outline their theory of class struggle, the inevitability of capitalism's fall, and the revolutionary goals of the proletariat. It includes the famous call for "workers of the world, unite." This is the foundational text for understanding the ideology that shaped the 20th century.

15. The Theory and Practice of Communism by R.N. Carew Hunt R.N. Carew Hunt provides a critical survey of the development of communist thought from the philosophy of Marx to the policies of Stalin. The book analyzes the philosophical roots of the ideology and how it was implemented in the Soviet Union. It serves as a standard textbook history of the movement written during the Cold War. It attempts to explain the gap between communist theory and its totalitarian reality.

16. The Greek Myths: 2 by Robert Graves In this second volume, Robert Graves continues his comprehensive retelling of the Greek mythological cycle for the modern reader. He covers the great sagas of the heroes, including the Trojan War and the difficult returns of the Greek kings. Each myth is accompanied by Graves's extensive notes on its anthropological and historical origins. It is a scholarly yet readable guide to the stories that underpin Western literature.

17. The Birth of Communist China by C.P. Fitzgerald C.P. Fitzgerald offers a historical assessment of the Chinese Revolution, placing it within the context of China's long imperial history. He argues that the rise of communism was in some ways a reassertion of the traditional Chinese bureaucratic state pattern. The book analyzes the fall of the Nationalists and the consolidation of power by Mao. It provides a nuanced view of the continuity between imperial and communist China.

18. Writings of the Young Marx on Philosophy and Society edited by Easton & Guddat This anthology collects the early, humanistic writings of Karl Marx before he turned his full attention to political economy. It includes letters, essays, and critiques that reveal his philosophical development and his deep concern for human freedom. The texts explore themes of alienation, the state, and the nature of civil society. It is essential for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of Marxism.

19. The Meaning and Philosophy of Numbers by Leonard Bosman Leonard Bosman delves into the esoteric and symbolic significance of numbers, moving beyond mathematics into the realm of mysticism. The book explores how numbers have been interpreted in various spiritual and philosophical traditions throughout history. It serves as a guide to numerology and the hidden meanings believed to reside in quantity. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between mathematics and the cosmos.

20. Alienation by Bertell Ollman Ollman reconstructs Marx's theory of alienation from his early writings to his mature economic works in this scholarly text. The book explores how capitalist relations of production sever the essential connections between humans and their work. It offers a detailed philosophical analysis of the psychological and social fragmentation inherent in modern society. This text is a crucial resource for understanding the humanistic foundations of Marxist thought.