Marx and other four-letter words

Georgina Blakeley and Valerie Bryson, Pluto Press, paperback, 221 pages, £11.99

This book argues for the continuing relevance and importance of Marxism.

It says that basic Marxist ideas, such as capitalism, class, the state, imperialism, oppression, revolution, internationalism, democracy and equality are still as relevant to the modern world as they ever were.

It has chapters by different authors outlining what each of these concepts mean and why they remain useful.

The results are uneven not always consistent — this is by no means a coherent new school of thought. But it is a good thing that some of authors disagree and can articulate their views clearly.

The chapter on oppression shows how class, race and gender can be integrated to understand persistent and widespread inequality and discrimination. And the chapter on internationalism emphasises that interdependence is the basis for solidarity between workers across the globe.