Socialism

An Economic and Sociological Analysis

By: Ludwig von Mises

Narrated by: Bernard Mayes

Length: 24 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

Published in 1922 during those dark and dreary years of socialism’s near-complete triumph, Socialism stunned the socialist world. Mises has given us a profoundly important treatise that assaults socialism in all its guises, a work that discusses every major aspect of socialism and leaves no stone unturned. A few of the numerous topics discussed include the success of socialist ideas; life under socialism: art and literature, science and journalism; economic calculation under socialism; the ideal of equality; and Marx’s theory of monopolies.

With this monumental work, Mises laid the foundations for free society. Socialism has influenced scores of influential thinkers, including Friedrich Hayek, Ayn Rand, and Milton Friedman. It is read over and over again today, all over the world, inspiring throngs of new defenders of freedom.

©1981 Margit von Mises (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

“This book must rank as the most devastating analysis of socialism yet penned…An economic classic in our time.” (Henry Hazlitt)

Such an important subject!

What did you love best about Socialism?

The information that is contained in this book is really important, especially in today's political climate.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I'm interested in the information but it is hard to listen to.

Would you be willing to try another one of Bernard Mayes’s performances?

Not if they are like this performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

This performance was monotone and droning. It was hard to listen to to get the information from the book. I would rather have read it.

Excellent book

Ludwig Von Mises hits the nail on the head when critiquing socialism.
The audio book is only disappointing because the orator continually bumps the microphone.

Everything you were taught is wrong

In an interesting way, Mises liquidates the propaganda that passes for education
in the United States. His work is the antidote for the propaganda you suffered
through for 12 + 4 +3 and then as a "licensed" professional or teacher or bureaucrat.

Spirited reading of an important classical text

Ludwig von Mises, alongside F. A. Hayak and probably in some circles even moreso than him, was a leader in the economic argument against socialism. There are important differences between Hayak's arguments and von Mises. The big one is that von Mises is much more concerned with the inability of central planning to adapt goods and services to need based on the lack of an ability to set prices. Hayak talks about this also, but nearly in the degree of detail. von Mises is usually principled, sometimes to extremes (although it is not a topic of his discussion, the "privatize the sidewalks" brand of libertarianism more typically hews back to LVM), but one notable place where he fails to stick to his principles is his treatment of race and differences of economies around the world. Here, he sounds more jingoistic than Hayak, and for that matter his view on race even seems dated compared to Adam Smith, who wrote in the late 18th century, but whose views on race are more progressive than LVM's ~150 years later.

At the same time, this book remains important. It has a very detailed analysis on Marxism, in particular (which pairs nicely, actually, with Piketty's treatment, coming from a very different ideological background as well as a very different point in time). Many of the central issues do remain relevant to the kinds of industries that are sometimes nationalized even in the modern era, such as healthcare, and whatever side one falls on the question of whether these institutions should be nationalized, von Mises does merit consideration.

The narrator is spirited, he delivers von Mises with an arrogance that seems appropriate to the author.

Unparalleled Refutation of Socialism

Ludwig Von Mises reveals a massive depth and breadth of knowledge in this book. I found it more than interesting that he chose an even and mild tone in his refutation of socialism. Additionally, Bernard Mayes was an excellent choice as the reader! My definite gratitude too Audible for making this volume available.

Mises is not for the fabled.

I found the overall content interesting and informative. however, it was a bit dry in parts and the narrator's British accent did not help. I found myself driving to listen to the contents to better understand socialism from an Austrian perspective. recommended to those who need to understand and dispute socialism in our current socio-political struggles to Champion the liberal agenda over socialism.

Mises Crushes the Socialist Ideal

Loved it. It could have just as well been written yesterday. Mises crushes the Socialists with ease.

Glad I finally finished this book

Phenomenal analysis of socialism. It is long but well worth the read. I highly recommend it

Eye Opening

This is a “must read” book by one of the greatest economists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Mises takes the reader through a comprehensive analysis of socialism.

wonderful

A long walk worth taking. Von Mises dismantled socialism beyond repair. I highly recommend this book to all.