How to Be a Bad Marxist

The provocative title of Bad Marxism that John Hutnyk chose for this book appears to promise several things: 1) on the theoretical level, a careful analytical deconstruction of bad readings of Marx, point by point; 2) on the political level, a reexamination of Marx's writings, proving that the collapse of “really existing socialism” was merely a bad dream resulting from a deficient reading of Marx; 3) on the economic level, a reevaluation of the bibliographical capital invested by Marxists who have spent so much time and money reading other Marxists like them, an investment they may now hope to recuperate; 4) on the historical level, perhaps a post-postmodern comeback of Marxism. But no, none of the above is attempted: for Hutnyk declares himself to be a bad Marxist, a Marxist who is trying to avoid good Marxism, which would amount to a...