Cedric J. Robinson Livres

Cedric J. Robinson's influential scholarship in Black Studies and the Black Radical Tradition critically examines racial capitalism. His essential texts challenge conventional narratives and have galvanized activist movements across the globe, from Ferguson to the West Bank, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary discussions on race and resistance.

Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Foreword: Why Black Marxism? Why Now? -- Preface: Unhushable Wit: Pedagogy, Laughter, and Joy in the Classrooms of Cedric J. Robinson -- Preface to the 2000 Edition -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Part 1. The Emergence and Limitations of European Radicalism -- 1. Racial Capitalism: The Nonobjective Character of Capitalist Development -- Europe's Formation -- The First Bourgeoisie -- The Modern World Bourgeoisie -- The Lower Orders -- The Effects of Western Civilization on Capitalism -- 2. The English Working Class as the Mirror of Production -- Poverty and Industrial Capitalism -- The Reaction of English Labor -- The Colonization of Ireland -- English Working-Class Consciousness and the Irish Worker -- The Proletariat and the English Working Class -- 3. Socialist Theory and Nationalism -- Socialist Thought: Negation of Feudalism or Capitalism? -- From Babeuf to Marx: A Curious Historiography -- Marx, Engels, and Nationalism -- Marxism and Nationalism -- Conclusion -- Part 2. The Roots of Black Radicalism -- 4. The Process and Consequences of Africa's Transmutation -- The Diminution of the Diaspora -- The Primary Colors of American Historical Thought -- The Destruction of the African Past -- Premodern Relations between Africa and Europe -- The Mediterranean: Egypt, Greece, and Rome -- The Dark Ages: Europe and Africa -- Islam, Africa, and Europe -- Europe and the Eastern Trade -- Islam and the Making of Portugal -- Islam and Eurocentrism -- 5. The Atlantic Slave Trade and African Labor -- The Genoese Bourgeoisie and the Age of Discovery -- Genoese Capital, the Atlantic, and a Legend -- African Labor as Capital -- The Ledgers of a World System -- The Column Marked "British Capitalism" -- 6. The Historical Archaeology of the Black Radical Tradition

Exploring the nature of societal order, the author argues that the perceived stability of societies is an illusion, shaped by Western political theories that emphasize leadership. Originally published in 1980, the book challenges the notion that violence is merely an occasional disruption, suggesting instead that disorder is a constant element of human societies. Through this lens, it critiques traditional views on political order and encourages a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics of social structures.

A major work on Marxism by one of the world's most influential black scholars

The book critiques the limitations of Marxist theory in understanding Black resistance, arguing that it often overlooks the agency of Black individuals and communities. Cedric Robinson emphasizes the importance of connecting Black radicalism to African traditions and the distinct experiences of Black people in the West. He advocates for a more nuanced analysis of African American history that recognizes these influences, challenging conventional historical narratives that prioritize European perspectives.