Paul Blackledge

"Reflections on the Marxist Theory of History" is, despite the title, not so much a collection of reflections as simply an expansive overview of what historical materialism is, why and how it can be correct, how it has been applied by different people, and how this relates to alternative views.

Beginning with Marx & Engels' comments on history themselves, Paul Blackledge works his way chronologically through the different heydays of Marxist analysis of history, from Kautsky to Perry Anderson and from Lukács to David Harvey. He discusses the burning issues of structure and agency in historiography, the debates over the transitions from the classical period to feudalism and feudalism to capitalism, the Second International versus the Third, and so on, in each case giving a clear view of what the main views were of the main proponents of the different sides.

Because this book combines a discussion of the content of historical materialism over the years with an introduction to the main authors working in this tradition, the book can also be read as a history of Marxist historians. The interaction between these two aspects of the book is really well done, and Blackledge goes seamlessly from content to author and back to content. All the important historiographical difficulties are mentioned, and the only thing lacking is a clear picture of what Blackledge's own views on these issues are. But since this is an introductory book, or most useful as one, it's not a problem Blackledge left it out, and undoubtedly his views can be found elsewhere (he seems to be associated with the school of Callinicos, so to speak).

All in all, much recommended to all as a clear and cogent book on historical materialism, essential if you want to start thinking about a way forward for radical history-writing and politics.… (meer)