Samuel Farber Knihy

Before Stalinism is a historical study of democratic life and institutions and their decline in the early years of the Russian Revolution.

Uncritically lauded by the left and impulsively denounced by the right, the Cuban Revolution is almost universally viewed one dimensionally. Farber, one of its most informed left-wing critics, provides a much-needed critical assessment of the revolution’s impact and legacy.

Focusing on the Cuban Revolution from 1959 to 1961, the author critiques prevailing interpretations of the revolution's origins and development. Farber argues that revolutionary leaders were not merely responding to external pressures from the U.S. or domestic issues, but were autonomous actors with their own ideological goals. He emphasizes that, despite facing significant constraints, these leaders pursued their visions independently, challenging the notion of a singular, coordinated master plan.

This reexamination of Ernesto "Che" Guevara's thoughts on socialism, democracy, and revolution is a must-read for today's activists--or anyone longing to fight for a better world. Fifty years after his death, Guevara remains a symbol to legions of young rebels and revolutionaries. This unique book provides a way to critically engage with Guevara's economic views, his ideas about revolutionary agency, and his conduct as guerrilla commander and government administrator in Cuba. Samuel Farber was born and raised in Cuba. He has written extensively on Cuba and the Cuban Revolution and is author of Cuba Since the Revolution of 1959.