Following Marx

What does it mean to follow Marx? In this examination of Marx’s methodology combined with specific applications on topics in political economy such as neo-Ricardian theory, analytical Marxism, the falling rate of profit, crisis theory, monopoly capital, Paul Sweezy, advertising and the capitalist state, this volume argues that the failure to understand (or explicit rejection of) Marx’s method has led astray many who consider themselves Marxists. By focusing particularly upon the concept of a totality and the necessary form of appearance of capital as many capitals in competition, Following Marx both demonstrates why Marx insisted that ‘in competition everything is reversed’ and provides a guide for following Marx.

Michael A. Lebowitz is Professor Emeritus of Economics at Simon Fraser University. His book, Beyond 'Capital': Marx's Political Economy of the Working Class (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) was awarded the Deutscher Memorial Prize in 2004. His Build it Now: Socialism for the Twenty-first Century (New York: Monthly Review Press, 2006) has been republished in several other languages.

"... Lebowitz’ book offers a stunning rehabilitation of Hegelian Marxism. It is a credit to Lebowitz that he is able to write about such profound themes in the lucid and engaged way of an educator. An excellent and important work." - Tony Mckenna, Marx & Philosophy, 1st of June 2012

"A collection of nineteen brilliantly argued articles on Marxist theory...As Lebowitz maintains, deep knowledge of the Marxian ideology of the 'essence and appearance' of capital will inspire all scholars, Marxists or otherwise." - Vineth Mathoor, Capital & Class October (2011) no. 35, pp. 509-511.

"Michael Lebowitz has proven himself time and again to be one of the most inventive of contemporary Marxist writers. This collection, Following Marx, shows him at his full power as theorist, analyst, and polemicist. Marxian political economy is all the better for it today. Orthodox in his approach, but always interesting and unexpected in his conclusions." - Gregory Albo, York University Department of Political Science