Blackshirts and Reds

Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism

By: Michael Parenti

Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon

A bold and entertaining exploration of the epic struggles of yesterday and today.

Blackshirts and Reds explores some of the big issues of our time: fascism, capitalism, communism, revolution, democracy, and ecology. These terms are often bandied about but seldom explored in the original and exciting way that has become Michael Parenti's trademark.

Parenti shows how "rational fascism" renders service to capitalism, how corporate power undermines democracy, and how revolutions are a mass empowerment against the forces of exploitative privilege. He also maps out the external and internal forces that destroyed communism, and the disastrous impact of the "free-market" victory on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. He affirms the relevance of taboo ideologies like Marxism, demonstrating the importance of class analysis in understanding political realities and dealing with the ongoing collision between ecology and global corporatism.

Written with lucid and compelling style, this book goes beyond truncated modes of thought, inviting us to entertain iconoclastic views and to ask why things are as they are.

©1997 Michael Parenti (P)2022 Tantor

wonderfully done

outstandingly nuanced writing of history of the economics and political systems of the former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact states before, during, and after the collapse of the Soviet society.

the narrator is also clear in his enunciation and has a very good speech flow. His pleasantly light style of speaking when in conjunction to the heaviness of the history he's reading comes off as a bit absurd in a similar manner to Terry Pratchett's narrator voice in his novels.

most excellent work, hope to see more releases from Michael Parenti!

The most infuriating and important book I've ever "read."

I don't know why I am still shocked by the degree to which our government and corporate overlords lie to us; all the same,by the end of this book I was a quivering ball of rage and anguish over how we have been manipulated and the needless suffering brought about by the US government and Wall St. I know Americans like to make fun of the French, but I think it is high time we started taking pages from their book.

Great Book

Entertaining, easy to listen and understand. A must. Everyone should listen to this great book.

Great Listen

Was recommended this book by many online sources as a starting point for leftists and after listening I agree. Listened to this in one sitting while I worked.

A must read, must listen.

Everyone should read this to educate themselves on the reality we live in. Go get it.