Books matching: imperialism
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A foundational and still-timely deep dive into how capitalism morphs into global power politics - challenging but rewarding if you want to understand the roots of today’s economic system.
'Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism' by Vladimir Lenin provides a clear explanation of imperialism and capitalism. Lenin accurately predicted modern financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. delves into topics such as financial predation, monopolies, and the exploitation of resources in Africa and Latin America by European imperialists.
Lenin's writing style in the book is dense but effective in getting his point across. He discusses how big companies evolved into monopolies through legal and illegal means, acquiring various branches of production and commercial sectors. highlights the ultra-privatization of globalized capital, the formation of monopolies, trusts, and cartels, and the influence of big industries on government systems.
The enormous growth of industry and the remarkably rapid process of concentration of production in ever-larger enterprises represent one of the most characteristic features of capitalism. Modern censu...1916•192 pagesAn entertaining, accessible, and provocative look at the United States as an empire - essential reading if you want to understand the country beyond the familiar 50 states. Expect to be surprised and maybe a little unsettled.
How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr delves into the history of US imperialism, shedding light on often overlooked aspects of American history such as territories, military bases abroad, and the impact of US expansionism on various populations. Immerwahr's narrative prose and structure make the book highly engaging and informative, offering a detailed exploration of how the United States came to control a significant portion of global affairs while avoiding the creation of traditional colonies.
The thirteen colonies that would make up the United States declared independence from Britain in 1776. Freedom, however, takes many forms. Just a year earlier, the hunter Daniel Boone and thirty or so...February 2019•565 pages- #3
Save:A sharp, passionate, and eye-opening critique of US foreign policy that’s approachable and thought-provoking - still relevant today for anyone interested in the forces shaping our world.
'Against Empire' by Michael Parenti details the way the West has manufactured a perfect system for the exploitation of the third world, enriching the Western Capitalist class at the expense of the rest of the world, forcing them into poverty with no way out. The book provides a real and raw perspective on global economy and U.S.A. foreign politics, moving beyond the spin of vested interests to give a crystal clear perspective on imperialism and its impact on underdeveloped nations. Parenti does a wonderful job of explaining how America habitually selects the type of society people in a country will live under, supporting leaders that serve American interests, while keeping underdeveloped nations stagnant through institutional obstacles imposed by imperialism.
Imperialism has been the most powerful force in world history over the last four or five centuries, carving up whole continents while oppressing indigenous peoples and obliterating entire civilization...May 1995•229 pages - #4
Save:A bold, brainy, and award-winning space opera that’s as much about identity, language, and justice as it is about starships and revenge - a modern must-read for serious sci-fi fans, especially those who love to think.
'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans have colonized the galaxy and space ships have humans directly controlled by ship AI as workers and soldiers. The protagonist, Breq, is the last remaining ancillary of a destroyed starship AI seeking revenge, navigating through interplanetary politics and exploring unique ideas of a possible future. The book delves into themes of identity, artificial intelligence, gender neutrality, and complex world-building, challenging the reader to interpret the intricacies of the narrative.
The writing style of 'Ancillary Justice' is described as compelling, with excellent world-building and intricate storytelling that slowly unfolds the plot. The use of female pronouns as the standard in a gender-neutral society, the concept of ancillaries, and the multiple POVs presented in a unique manner contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the reader ponder on themes of humanity, individuality, and culture in a thought-provoking manner.
The body lay naked and facedown, a deathly gray, spatters of blood staining the snow around it. It was minus fifteen degrees Celsius and a storm had passed just hours before. The snow stretched smooth...October 2013•432 pages - #5
Save:A fun, character-driven twist on wizard out-of-time tales, with just enough adventure and heart to keep you reading - worth a try if you’re after something fresh in the fantasy genre.
'Imperial Wizard' in the series 'Arcane Awakening' by author J Parsons follows the story of Verdan Blacke, a wizard who wakes up centuries, if not millennia, after casting a spell on himself. The world he knew is gone, replaced with ruins, and he emerges into a changed world where he struggles to understand the current events. Verdan meets various characters like a sorcerer, a witch, and an alchemist, as he navigates through this new age, trying to make sense of the world around him while following old Imperial motives. is praised for its interesting concept, engaging storytelling, and the development of friendships among the characters.
Verdan's eyes flew open as he inhaled sharply and instinctively cringed from the expected pain. Pain that had haunted his every waking moment for what seemed like untold ages. Bracing his mind, Verdan...July 2023•513 pages A bold, influential read that's essential for anyone curious about the impacts of colonialism on Africa - occasionally contentious, but always thought-provoking.
'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...1972•337 pages- #7
Save:Imperial Bedrooms is a sleek, disturbing, and character-driven plunge into LA noir - rewarding for Ellis fans but likely too dark and empty for some tastes. If you loved Less Than Zero, it's a haunting follow-up; otherwise, tread carefully.
Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis is a sequel to the author's debut novel Less Than Zero. The book follows the lives of the characters from the original story, now in their middle age, navigating the dark and nihilistic world of Los Angeles. Clay, the main character, returns to LA for the casting of his film and reconnects with his old circle of friends, delving into a world of drugs, sex, paranoia, and unresolved past traumas. The writing style of the book is described as flat and precise, typical of Ellis, with some lines of real precision and beauty scattered throughout the narrative.
They had made a movie about us. The movie was based on a book written by someone we knew. The book was a simple thing about four weeks in the city we grew up in and for the most part was an accurate p...June 2010•256 pages - #8
Save:A foundational but uncompromising look at decolonization and its discontents - brilliant, difficult, and a must-read if you want to understand the politics of liberation and the scars of colonialism.
'The Wretched of the Earth' by Frantz Fanon is a powerful analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonization on oppressed peoples. Fanon delves into the challenges faced by postcolonial nations, emphasizing the need for liberation from oppressive forces. Through compelling case studies and revolutionary insights, Fanon explores the complexities of decolonization, highlighting the struggles and pitfalls that accompany the path to freedom. His writing style weaves together historical analysis with psychological profiles, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of colonialism and the fight for independence.
National liberation, national reawakening, restoration of the nation to the people or Commonwealth, whatever the name used, whatever the latest expression, decolonization is always a violent event. At...1961•295 pages - #9
Save:A challenging but rewarding book that gives a whole new meaning to beloved literary works, ‘Culture and Imperialism’ is both a foundational and provocative read for anyone curious about how stories shape and reflect the history of empire.
Edward W. Said's Culture and Imperialism is a controversial yet undeniably influential book that delves into the ties between classic novels of the nineteenth century and colonialism. Said argues that understanding these novels is only possible when imperialism is taken into consideration. Through a passionate and scholarly writing style, Said connects literature, philosophy, and the reality of imperialism, providing readers with a framework to examine and critique the effects of colonialism. He challenges traditional lit crit perspectives by exploring the relationship between Western distinctiveness and multiculturalism, ultimately questioning the Western canon's connection to imperialism.
Silence from and about the subject was the order of the day. Some of the silences were broken, and some were maintained by authors who lived with and within the policing strategies. What I am interest...1993•504 pages A powerful, eye-opening critique of the British Empire that pulls no punches - essential for anyone wanting the full picture, but may feel too partisan or intense for some tastes.
"The Blood Never Dried: A People's History of the British Empire" by John Newsinger is a critical examination of the British Empire, focusing on various historical episodes that reveal the brutal and violent nature of colonialism. The book delves into atrocities committed during the British rule in different parts of the world, shedding light on the racist policies and violent strategies employed by British politicians. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Newsinger exposes the dark underbelly of the Empire, challenging the glorified narratives often associated with British imperialism.
The book presents a series of chapters that explore significant events such as the suppression of the Mau Mau in Kenya, the Indian freedom fighters' struggle, and the Palestine Revolt, among others. Through these narratives, Newsinger paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of colonial rule, debunking myths of benevolence and highlighting the lasting impact of violence and exploitation on the colonized nations. With a passionate condemnation of imperial violence and duplicity, "The Blood Never Dried" offers a compelling insight into the connective threads between past atrocities and current political landscapes.
September 2006•286 pages
