The ABCs of Socialism

Jacobin magazine offfers an irreverent, illustrated introduction to socialism that answers the basic questions many want to know—but are too afraid to ask.

The remarkable run of self-proclaimed “democratic socialist” Bernie Sanders for president of the United States has prompted—for the first time in decades and to the shock of many—a national conversation about socialism. It’s unclear exactly what socialism means to this generation, but it’s clear there’s a historic, generational shift underway.

This book steps into this moment to offer a clear, accessible, informative, and irreverent guide to socialism for the uninitiated. Written by young writers from the dynamic magazine Jacobin, alongside several distinguished scholars, The ABCs of Socialism answers basic questions, including ones that many want to know but might be afraid to ask (“Doesn’t socialism always end up in dictatorship?”, “Will socialists take my Kenny Loggins records?”). Disarming and pitched to a general readership without sacrificing intellectual depth, this will be the best introduction an idea whose time seems to have come again.

Bhaskar Sunkara is the founding editor and publisher of Jacobin magazine.