Socialism

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)

One can't be a socialist after reading Socialism

If one is still a socialist after reading this there isn't any hope for you.

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.

Narration

The speed of the narration is faster than others audiobooks where you can understand easily. You can't realize when a chapter ends and next starts, there is not a kind of audio mark to notice that. Really disappointed

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.

Required reading:

This book goes into extensive detail outlining the history of socialism and the economic reality compared to economic theory.

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.

The narrator mumbles horribly.

What would have made Socialism better?

I stopped listening after two hours. The presentation was more than I could stand.

How could the performance have been better?

Clearer diction would have helped immensely.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Socialism?

I would have fired the narrator.

Any additional comments?

I am sorry that I wasted my time and money.

starts slow but good technical read

comprehensive, extensive study for those in the formal sociological or political study areas. good overall.

Mises Crushes the Socialist Ideal

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

Difficult, but good!

This is a very difficult book to read. Not only are a lot of the references 50ish years old, but the structure of the book leaves a lot to be desired. Still, the content, once penetrated, is very good!

3 of 6 people found this review helpful