Jack London was a Socialist at heart, having been born into the working class and rising through hard work to be one of the most successful writers in the world. Though it was that system that made him rich, he had disdain for capitalism in general. His stories told of rugged individualism, but he believed in socialism. This book contains 13 short essays that convey those beliefs.

A refutation of revisionist interpretations of Marxist doctrine, the title essay (1899) explains why capitalism can never overcome its internal contradictions and defines the character of the proletarian revolution. 3 other essays.

These nineteen essays richly confirm Gore Vidal's reputation as "America's finest essayist" (The New Statesman), and are further evidence of the breadth and depth of his intelligence and wit. Included here are his highly praised essays on Theodore Roosevelt ("An American Sissy"), F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edmund Wilson ("This Critic and This Gin and These Shoes"), the need for a new constitutional convention—as well as his controversial study of relations between the homosexual and Jewish communities ("Pink Triangle and Yellow Star"). Vidal's other subjects range from Christopher Isherwood to L. Frank Baum ("The OZ BOoks"), from the question of "Who Makes the Movies?" to the misadventures—religious and financial—of Bert Lance.

In Join the Revolution, Comrade, Charles Foran brings to the essay form the same restlessness and originality that mark his novels and non-fiction. Foran visits places in Vietnam that have been 'colonized' by western war films, talks to Shanghai residents about their colossal city and commiserates with the people of Bali about the effects of terrorist bombs on their island. In Beijing he looks up old friends he had known back in 1989 during the days before and after the June 4th massacre. "Join the revolution, Comrade," a friend had loved to say, quoting a line from a Bertolucci film. Foran also 'encounters' Miguel de Cervantes, the Buddha of Compassion, and the pumped-up American Tom Wolfe. He maps the geography of Canadian literature and pinpoints the 'inner-Newfoundland' of Wayne Johnston. He defends the novel against those who would tame it and uses an ancient Chinese philosopher to explain how one imagination -- his own-- works. Whether exploring the waterways of Thailand or the streets of his childhood in suburban Toronto, meditating on raising children in post-9/11 Asia or the music of good prose, Charles Foran's writing is fresh, alert, and free of convention.

An effort to further the discussion of the necessity of a fundamental political and social revolution in the United States, this collection contains essays by 12 activists and authors, all of whom have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to revolutionary change. As inspiring as it is educational, this anthology is a must read for those involved with or considering advocating political or social change within. Arguing that reformist measures cannot be relied upon to correct the fundamental problems caused by the corporate elite and political structure, the contributors are unified in their call for a significant revolutionary change in the United States.

"Various aspects of...the quality of civilization in the United States."- Pref. Artemus Ward.--The decline of conversation.--On making low people interesting.--A cultural forecast.--Towards a new quality-product.--Anarchist's progress.--On doing the right thing.--A study in manners.--Thoughts on revolution.--To youngsters of easy means.

To some, England had the right to govern the thirteen American colonies. To others, England was violating the colonists' rights. Still others took no side. Which would prevail loyalty to the king, freedom now, or peace at any price? Read these essays to find out.