Black Marxism

by Cedric Robinson
Black Marxism cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 9815
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-03
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
IMHO Journal · CJ Newlove · 2026-01-03
insightful 4.00

The book presents a compelling argument for a 'Black Radical Tradition' distinct from Marxism, challenging conventional historical narratives. It offers a nuanced perspective on the African struggle against Euro-American domination.

CJ Newlove delves into Cedric Robinson's exploration of a 'Black Radical Tradition' that stands in opposition to Marxism. They appreciate the book's bold claim and its critique of historical narratives, highlighting the unique contributions of African resistance. The reviewer finds the argument persuasive and the historical analysis insightful, though they note the dense and demanding nature of the text. Overall, it's a thought-provoking work that challenges readers to reconsider the intersections of race, history, and political thought.

Quick quotes

    The central claim of Robinson's Black Marxism is the existence of a 'Black Radical Tradition' in opposition to Marxism.

    Robinson seeks to challenge the conventional historical narratives.

    The book offers a nuanced perspective on the African struggle against Euro-American domination.

The Philosophical Salon · 2022-10-03
critical 3.75

The book challenges the Marxist claim that racism is derivative of capitalism, offering a critical perspective on historical materialism. It presents a dense and demanding critique that questions the foundations of Marxist theory.

The Philosophical Salon reviews Cedric Robinson's Black Marxism, focusing on its critique of Marxist theory. They highlight Robinson's objection to the idea that racism is merely a byproduct of capitalism, presenting a compelling argument for a more nuanced understanding of historical materialism. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Robinson's analysis but notes the complexity and density of the text, which may be challenging for some readers. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the intersections of race, capitalism, and historical narratives.

Quick quotes

    Robinson objects in Black Marxism and later on in The Anthropology of Marxism to the Marxist claim that racism is 'derivative' of capitalism.

    The book presents a dense and demanding critique that questions the foundations of Marxist theory.

    Robinson's analysis offers a compelling argument for a more nuanced understanding of historical materialism.

London Review of Books · Kevin Okoth · 2022-04-07
thought-provoking 4.25

The title of the book is misleading as it questions the very foundations of Marxism. It offers a unique perspective on the African struggle against Euro-American domination.

Kevin Okoth reviews Cedric Robinson's Black Marxism, noting that the title is somewhat misleading given the book's critical stance towards Marxism. They appreciate the book's unique perspective on the African struggle against Euro-American domination, highlighting its significance in the ongoing debate about race and historical materialism. The reviewer finds the book's arguments compelling and its critique of Marxist theory thought-provoking. However, they note that the dense and demanding nature of the text may be challenging for some readers. Overall, it's a significant contribution to the field of historical and political thought.

Quick quotes

    The title of Cedric Robinson's Black Marxism is misleading.

    Shelving it under 'Marxism' never seems right for a book that questions the very foundations of Marxism.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the African struggle against Euro-American domination.

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