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"Socialism" and other anti-socialist works

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fegeldolfy posted on Thu, Dec 20 2012 9:45 PM

I have a few questions about Mises's Socialism, and a few other anti-socialist/anti-Marxist books, namely Karl Marx and the Close of His System, Marxism Unmasked, Requiem for Marx, The Socialist Tradition, and A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism.

1.How comprehensive is Socialism? Does it cover all types of socialism?

2.Are there things in Marxism Unmasked that are not in Socialism? Things that are explained more fully?

3.What about Karl Marx and the Close of His System? Did Mises's include Bohm-Bawerk's theory against Marx in Socialism, thereby making this unneccesary to read?

4.I've seen a lot of "top 10" lists here mention A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism. What, exactly, makes it so great, and so different from other anti-socialist books?

5.Is Requiem for Marx more economic or philosophical? Is it a good read?

and lastly

6.The Socialist Tradition seems to be a history of socialist theories. Has anyone here read it? What were your thoughts?

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6.

I have not read the "The Socialist Tradition" in its entirety but I have read certain parts of it. It seems like a very well constructed book and a very fair look at socialist systems and thought, even if it might not be as economically coherent as one might like.

At last those coming came and they never looked back With blinding stars in their eyes but all they saw was black...
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Bert replied on Thu, Dec 20 2012 11:17 PM

Theory and History is good on the philosophical level of other systems of thought.

I had always been impressed by the fact that there are a surprising number of individuals who never use their minds if they can avoid it, and an equal number who do use their minds, but in an amazingly stupid way. - Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols
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Theory & History= Absolutely awesome and underrated on every level.

It also has a very good critique of Marxism that hits right at the heart of the system

At last those coming came and they never looked back With blinding stars in their eyes but all they saw was black...
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If you want to know more about Mises' Socialism, here is a video of Peter Boettke and Jeffrey Tucker discussing the book when it was Laissez Faire Club's book of the week.

http://lfb.org/blog/interview-with-peter-j-boettke-on-misess-socalism/

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