Michael Löwy Libri

Löwy explores in this remarkable study ... a generation of Central European Jewish intellectuals of an antiauthoritarian political orientation who left a considerable mark on twentieth-century radical thought ... As Löwy's subtle and profound book reminds us, their legacy is a rich one. - American Historical Review An exceptional thinker. - Le Monde

This illuminating study of Benjamin's final essay helps unlock the mystery of this great philosopher. Revolutionary critic of the philosophy of progress, nostalgic of the past yet dreaming of the future, romantic partisan of materialism-Walter Benjamin is in every sense of the word an "unclassifiable" philosopher. His last text was written in a state of urgency, as he attempted to escape the Gestapo in 1940, before finally committing suicide. "On the Concept of History" is one of the most important philosophical and political writings of the twentieth century, argues Michael Löwy in this scrupulous, clear and fascinating examination. Löwy uses the concept of "elective affinity," the mutual attraction between two cultural figures, derived from the amorous encounter of two souls in Goethe's novel Elective Affinities. Looking in detail at Benjamin's celebrated but often mysterious text, and restoring the philosophical, theological and political context, Löwy strives to understand and highlight the complex relationship between redemption and revolution in Benjamin's philosophy of history.

The Paris Commune of 1871 was one of the first working class attempts at the social emancipation of the oppressed and exploited. Between 18 March and 29 May 1871, the popular classes succeeded for a while in breaking their chains. It was a short period when people could take control of their lives. The Paris Commune is an inspiration today. The memory of the past and its struggles strengthens the fight for the utopia of the future.This book, The Paris Commune - An ode to emancipation, is a collection of writings by Daniel Bensa�d, Olivier Besancenot, Sandra Bloodworth, Judy Cox, Penelope Duggan, Mathilde Larr�re, Michael L�wy, Kay Mann, Eric Toussaint.

“This book is brilliant, incisive, honest and deserves to be read with attention. It is an important event in the Marxist theoretical production.” —Politique Hebdo“A remarkable essay, whose merit is not only theoretical, but also historical, because it examines unknown aspects of the evolution of young Marx’s thinking.”—PolitisIn the 1840s, the young German journalist Karl Marx developed ideas about modern society that remain as relevant today as when they were first developed. Here Löwy shows the lasting force of Marx’s early writings on alienation and emancipation.Michael Löwy is research director in sociology at the Centre National de la Recherché Scientifique, Paris. He is the author of many books, including Romanticism Against the Tide of Modernity.

This collection of essays explores the history of Marxism as a political philosophy, offering a reintegration of the revolutionary socialist tradition. Michael Lowy emphasizes cultural, ethical, and spiritual dimensions often overlooked by the dominant economistic approach in Marxist literature. He addresses issues such as the national question, religion, Utopia, and the Romantic impulse within Marxist political culture. Here, "politics" encompasses a wide range of everyday human concerns, while "philosophy" pertains to fundamental theoretical, methodological, and ethical inquiries. This political philosophy seeks not only to interpret the world but also to change it, aligning with Marx's assertion in his "Thesis XI on Feuerbach." The concept of revolution, with its historical and social dimensions, is a central theme throughout the essays. Alongside Karl Marx, the collection highlights figures from the revolutionary/humanist strand of Western Marxism, including Rosa Luxemburg, Gramsci, Lukacs, and Walter Benjamin. These thinkers collectively view socialism as the only humane alternative to modern barbarism, employing a dialectical approach to social reality and recognizing Romanticism as a vital source for the Marxist critique of capitalist civilization and an essential aspect of the Marxist Utopia.

Focusing on Che Guevara's contributions to Marxist thought, the book delves into his revolutionary humanism and internationalist perspective on political issues. It examines his views on socialism, particularly the tension between socialist planning and the law of value in Cuba. The revised edition includes a new chapter on Guevara's quest for a fresh socialist paradigm and features an essay by Peter McLaren discussing Guevara's ongoing relevance. Löwy positions Guevara's ideas within the broader context of global emancipation movements, particularly in Latin America.

Revolutions is a unique collection of rare photographs documenting some of the most important revolutionary upheavals, from the 1871 Paris Commune to the Zapatista rebellion of the 1990s.

Utilizing Leon Trotsky's foresight, the author delves into the complexities and contradictions inherent in global economic growth. The book examines how historical and theoretical perspectives can illuminate contemporary economic issues, offering a critical analysis of development patterns and their implications. Through this lens, it seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the global economy today.

A sweeping history of revolutionary struggle and unbreakable alliances, Revolutionary Affinities takes readers from the Paris Commune to the Occupy movement, and through the heart of bloody fratricidal struggles to paint a vivid picture of the greatest anarchist and Marxist figures who dared to join forces, from Louise Michel to Subcomandante Marcos, from Emma Goldman to Walter Benjamin. With the urgent need for a unified front against the far right, there has never been a better time for this inspiring story. Authors Olivier Besancenot and Michael Löwy, two of the foremost voices in the French anti-authoritarian radical left, explore the promises--and challenges--of developing a fully sustainable, libertarian Marxist society by examining questions of political organization, economic policy, radical ecology, and more. Strikingly accessible, brilliantly illuminating, Besancenot and Löwy have given readers more than a history book, they've created a road map for the future.