Harry Magdoff (1913-2006)

by Liberty and Power

As many readers know, I am an avid reader of obituaries. Some of you may be aware that the Marxist / socialist economist Harry Magdoff died on New Year’s Day. If you’re interested in reading a useful account of his life and work, especially his analysis of U.S. imperialism in the twentieth century, go here. It’s the best account I’ve come across. John Bellamy Foster’s article includes a bibliography and many links. I found it really quite helpful in understanding Magdoff’s ideas.

I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to discern a parallel between Harry Magdoff and Murray Rothbard with regard to their influence upon, and the affection in which they were held among, respectively Marxists and libertarians.

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Kenneth R. Gregg - 1/13/2006

Gordon Leff is an author whose writings are invaluable in analyzing class theory, both in general and Marxist class analysis. Although he is primarily known for his work in the medieval period, his analysis of class theory is first-rate. Just a thought.
Just Ken
CLASSical Liberalism

Roderick T. Long - 1/9/2006

Kevin himself has written something on this subject too: Austrian and Marxist Theories of Monopoly-Capital: A Mutualist Synthesis.

Kevin Carson - 1/9/2006

For an interesting fusion of Austrian and neo-Marxist theories of overproduction and imperialism, check out Joseph Stromberg. "The Role of State Monopoly Capitalism in the American Empire." Journal of Libertarian Studies Volume 15, no. 3 (Summer 2001)