Historical Dictionary of Socialism

Description

Recent election wins by left of center parties in Western Europe testify to the continued vitality of the tradition of democratic socialism. Socialism has been the leading ideology for social change for over a century. It has been a philosophy, a mass movement, and a substitute religion. It has inspired millions and aroused fear and revulsion in its enemies. It has sought to change the world for the better and in many important respects has done so. Yet socialism remains a paradox. Professing only to do good, great crimes against humanity have been committed in its name. Democratic and egalitarian in theory, it has been used to justify totalitarian dictatorship in practice. This dictionary offers a reliable, comprehensive introduction and guide to this contentious social movement and ideology, examining where it has succeeded and where it has failed. It traces the evolution of socialism from the early nineteenth century up to the present. Unlike other general works on the subject, it is primarily concerned with the democratic tradition of socialism and is careful to differentiate this tradition from those elements of socialism which later became communism. It contains 327 entries and many cross-references which cover not just thinkers, ideas and political parties, but also education, women, literature, and policies. With glossary, chronology, statistical appendix and bibliography.