| The Rise and Fall of Communism |  | Author: Archie Brown
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: £9.99
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Seller: aphrohead_books
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 21,511
Media: Paperback
Pages: 512
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.7
ISBN: 1845950674
EAN: 9781845950675
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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Product Description
The relentless rise of Communism was the most momentous political development of the first half of the twentieth century. This book explains how and why Communists came to power; how they were able, in a variety of countries on different continents to hold on to power for so long; and, what brought about the downfall of so many Communist systems.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Extremely well written, interesting and educational June 2, 2010
John Ct
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I think it can appeal to historians and academics as well as readers who are not normally that much into history. There are references and bibliography and the linguistic and political neutrality of academics, but at the same time the story is accessible, engaging, narrated in good structure and unpretentious language.
Personally I prefer economic and social histories more than political or institutional ones, and this book is mainly about the latter, but that makes sense considering the top down, authoritarian regimes described. Perhaps it's a small weakness that the economy parts are a bit sparse and also that the author's speciality shows when he talks about his topic (the USSR), the parts on other communist countries go a little bit too quickly. There is some repetition of some points (especially in conclusions, summaries and in the last chapter), perhaps it's not necessary as the history is very well written and allows the reader to make up his mind. Details like the above are probably inevitable in such an ambitious wide ranging book, I couldn't even put them down as faults.
About the usual question (in such books) of perceived bias, I can't imagine many people being put off, the author casts a critical eye on communism and explains why elements of totalitarianism/authoritarianism go together with communism. But even if the reader disagrees, the point is not unpleasantly forced, the book focuses on story, not rants or polemics. There's no obvious right wing bias either, the occasional successes of communism are also explained and communism is contrasted to democratic socialism and people on the left like Orwell or Bevan who I thought are portrayed in a flattering light.
 A good book if a little dry and technical at times. August 21, 2009
HBH
23 out of 28 found this review helpful
The Rise and Fall of Communism by Archie Brown is a good book dealing with the rise of Communism from its origins in the works of Marx and Engels, through its rapid growth post 1945 to the present day when it is not as prevelent a form of government as it once was. It is well-written with interesting analysis of questions such as why different systems of Communism emerged in different countries? or why some Communist states have survived while others became democracies? However, at times it can be a bit technical and get bogged down which upsets the generally good pace the book has. Nevertheless, it is a useful general book on communism and I have no doubt would be useful as a good starting point for more specific reading. In conclusion, it is a good book which provides a useful analysis of the history of communism as an idea and then a system of government.
Top Marx! July 25, 2009
Stockeditor (Ireland)
36 out of 41 found this review helpful
Don't be put off by the dry sounding title. First class account of the strange, sometimes breathtakingly cruel history of communism. Mr. Brown certainly knows his stuff but wears his learning lightly and the general reader, like me, is in for a treat. Even at over 600 pages I found myself wishing there was more. Inevitably, the USSR (and its eastern European satellites) and China get most attention, but there are absorbing bits on Cuba, Asia and Africa.
I have no political or ideological axes to grind and I found Mr. Brown to be a fascinating guide, always clear, often funny. Like all good historians he provides detailed, illuminating references so that you can follow up anything that strikes your fancy.
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