The Rest Is HistoryMar 29, 2021

38. Communism

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 38. Communism on The Rest Is History.

Notable books mentioned: Utopia by Thomas More, Stalin by Stephen Kotkin, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Stalin's War by Sean McMeakin

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Mentioned at 4:22

Utopia

Thomas More

The host mentions 'Utopia' by Thomas More to illustrate early ideas of a communist society and how they relate to modern interpretations of communi…

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Mentioned at 13:57

David Aronovich's book

The host mentions David Aronovich's book to illustrate the closed nature of Marxist communities in post-war Britain. It serves as an example of how…

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Mentioned at 20:10

Stalin

Stephen Kotkin

The host discusses the complexities of Stalin's character and his actions within the framework of Marxist ideology. They reference Stephen Kotkin's…

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38. Communism

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Episode summary, books & quotes

38. Communism mentions Utopia by Thomas More, Stalin by Stephen Kotkin, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and Stalin's War by Sean McMeakin with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Utopia Stalin The Communist Manifesto Stalin's War

Episode summary

It was one of the great political ideologies of the 20th century, vying with capitalism for supremacy. Now communism has retreated from the political mainstream having failed to create the utopia of a classless society. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland discuss the origins of communism as a theory and the frequently repressive attempts to govern by its principles.

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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 38. Communism on The Rest Is History.

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The conversation centers on communism and society.
A second recurring theme is discussion of communism.
Referenced books include Utopia by Thomas More and Stalin by Stephen Kotkin.
The strongest audience signal points to Readers interested in political philosophy and the history of communism and Individuals interested in the intersection of politics and personal identity..

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Which books are mentioned in 38. Communism?

Utopia by Thomas More, Stalin by Stephen Kotkin, and The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers

communism and society(1)discussion of communism(1)Marxism and personal identity(1)Stalin's role in communism(1)Stalin's role in WWII(1)Tony Benn discussion(1)

Mention sentiment

Deep Dive(3)Passing Reference(2)Critical Analysis(1)

Audience signals

Readers interested in political philosophy and the history of communismIndividuals interested in the intersection of politics and personal identity.Readers interested in Marxism and historical analysisIndividuals interested in political theory and history.Historians and readers interested in WWIIIndividuals interested in political history

Books Mentioned

Utopia

Thomas More

Best for Readers interested in political philosophy and the history of communismOften cited around communism and society

“Thomas More in his book Utopia at the beginning of the turn of the 16th century has this vision of a society where people share property in an idealized sort of post-feudal world.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: communism and society

For: Readers interested in political philosophy and the history of communism

Key quote: “So Thomas More in his book Utopia at the beginning of the turn of the 16th century has this vision of a society where people share property in an idealized sort of post-feudal world.”

The host mentions 'Utopia' by Thomas More to illustrate early ideas of a communist society and how they relate to modern interpretations of communism. This reference serves to highlight the historical roots of communal living and its philosophical implications in the context of social justice.

ASIN: 0140449108

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David Aronovich's book

Best for Individuals interested in the intersection of politics and personal identity.Often cited around Marxism and personal identity

“The speaker references David Aronovich's book about growing up in a Marxist milieu, discussing the closed system of Marxists in post-war Britain.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Marxism and personal identity

For: Individuals interested in the intersection of politics and personal identity.

Key quote: “I don't know if you've read David Aronovich's book about growing up in a Marxist sort of milieu.”

The host mentions David Aronovich's book to illustrate the closed nature of Marxist communities in post-war Britain. It serves as an example of how Marxism can resemble a religious identity rather than a purely political stance.

ASIN: B003A7U910

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Stalin

Stephen Kotkin

Best for Readers interested in Marxism and historical analysisOften cited around Stalin's role in communism

“Stephen Kotkin is working his way through Stalin's life and argues that Stalin is actually a very good Marxist, contrary to popular belief.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Stalin's role in communism

For: Readers interested in Marxism and historical analysis

Key quote: “Stalin is actually a very good Marxist.”

The host discusses the complexities of Stalin's character and his actions within the framework of Marxist ideology. They reference Stephen Kotkin's work to challenge the common perception of Stalin as merely a monster, suggesting instead that his actions were driven by a belief in achieving a Marxist paradise.

ASIN: B012YWJYVC

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The Communist Manifesto

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

Best for Individuals interested in political theory and history.Often cited around discussion of communism

“The Communist Manifesto is mentioned as a great read, highlighting its significance in the discussion about Marxism.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: discussion of communism

For: Individuals interested in political theory and history.

Key quote: “A spectre is haunting Europe, the spectre of communism.”

The host mentions 'The Communist Manifesto' to highlight its historical significance and the ongoing relevance of its ideas in contemporary discussions about political theory. They emphasize the enduring appeal of communism as a concept that seeks to promote equality and justice for all humanity.

ASIN: B0D9JKG2VD

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Stalin's War

Sean McMeakin

Best for Historians and readers interested in WWIIOften cited around Stalin's role in WWII

“The excerpt discusses a review of a book on Stalin's war, highlighting the author's argument that Stalin is key to understanding the war, rather than just focusing on Hitler.”

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis

Trigger: Stalin's role in WWII

For: Historians and readers interested in WWII

Key quote: “McMeakin, he has this great idea... we should think about it through, you know, Stalin is the key to the war, not Hitler.”

The host discusses Sean McMeakin's book 'Stalin's War' to highlight the importance of viewing World War II through Stalin's perspective rather than solely focusing on Hitler. The book presents a controversial argument that the Allies should have also declared war on Stalin, which the host finds to undermine McMeakin's thesis.

ASIN: B08XW52WNY

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Who Dares Wins

Best for Individuals interested in political historyOften cited around Tony Benn discussion

“The speaker references a host's book while discussing Tony Benn; this is most likely 'Who Dares Wins' in the early-1980s context.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Tony Benn discussion

For: Individuals interested in political history

Key quote: “this is most likely 'Who Dares Wins' in the early-1980s context.”

The host briefly mentions 'Who Dares Wins' in relation to Tony Benn's influence during the early 1980s. This reference highlights the significance of the book in understanding the political landscape of that era.

ASIN: 0141975288

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