New Release Books by Bob Avakian

BREAKTHROUGHS: The Historic Breakthrough by Marx, and the Further Breakthrough with the New Communism, A Basic Summary is "a distilled discussion of the theory, strategic orientation and objectives of the communist movement as this was developed from the time of Marx and with its further development and synthesis with the new communism" (as Bob Avakian, the architect of the new communism, describes this work in its preface). This work delves into the development of communist political theory with historical sweep and scientific analysis, highlighting what was so radically new and revolutionary about the theories first put forward by Marx and then examining the breakthroughs made by Avakian, whose new communism reflects a continuation of the Marxist tradition but at the same time represents a qualitative leap beyond, and in some important respects a break with, communist theory as it had been previously developed. This has resulted in a whole new framework for human emancipation, one defined by its emphasis on the critical importance of science and the consistent application of a scientific method. These theoretical breakthroughs are brought to life by Avakian, drawing on his ability to "break down" even very complex ideas and concepts in a popular and colloquial way that is accessible to a wide variety of readers. For anyone who yearns for a different world, one free of all forms of oppression and exploitation, where all humanity could truly flourish and where the planet could thrive, this thought-provoking work is essential reading.

This collection celebrates the life and legacy of George and Jonathin Jackson

Is believing in gods actually harmful? How has Christianity for centuries served as an ideology of conquest and subjugation? Why is the "Bible Belt" in the U.S. also the "lynching belt"? Why is there a rise of religious fundamentalism throughout the world? In the intensifying conflict between U.S. imperialism and Islamic fundamentalism, is the only choice to take one side or the other? Why is patriarchy and the oppression of women foundational to so many religions? Can people be good without god? These are just some of the questions explored in this provocative work by Bob Avakian. Bringing a unique revolutionary communist voice to the current discourse about god, atheism and morality, Avakian demystifies religious belief and examines how, even in its most progressive interpretations, religion stands in the way of the emancipation of humanity. A thread deeply woven throughout Away With All Gods! is the need to fully rupture with all forms of superstition, and to take up instead a truly scientific approach to understanding and transforming reality. Whether you believe in god, or are an agnostic or an atheist, Bob Avakian will challenge you with his powerful critique of long-established traditions and his liberating vision of a radically different world.

This moving memoir contains three interwoven stories. The first tells of a white middle-class kid growing up in 1950s America who goes to an integrated high school and has his world turned around; the second of a young man who overcomes a near-fatal disease and jumps with both feet into the heady swirl of Berkeley in the 1960s; and the third of a radical activist who matures into a tempered revolutionary communist leader. Original.

In Volume Two in Open Court''s Creative Marxism series readers have a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on a provocative, wide-ranging conversation between two lively intellects. Marxism and the Call of the Future reproduces an actual discussion between Bill Martin, a DePaul University philosophy professor, and Bob Avakian, the controversial leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP). Though the scope and relevance of Marxism is at the heart of this spirited exchange, the two also offer up a sharp-witted critique of George W. Bush and touch on animal rights, The Simpsons, secularism and religion, Bob Dylan, and the post-9/11 agenda of the United States.

This provocative book includes a scathing refutation of the reality behind conservative Christian fundamentalist morality, a critical look at the limitations of "liberation theology," including a discussion of Jim Wallis''s book, The Soul of Politics, and an inspiring look at morality from a revolutionary perspective. This work is even more timely today as it was when it was published in 1999. Bob Avakian says in the Prologue that "From whatever vantage point one looks, it is unmistakable that there is what could be called a ''moral crisis'' in America. There has been, to a significant degree, ''a breakdown of traditional morality.'' But the answer to this—at least the answer that is in the interests of the majority of people in the U.S. and the overwhelming majority of humanity—is not a more aggressive assertion of that ''traditional morality'' but winning people to a radically different morality, in the process of radically transforming society and the world as a whole."

This collection allows the reader to experience the freewheeling Bob Avakian in the process of re-envisioning the communist project. His cutting-edge vision and theory focus up on issues at the center of current philosophical debate--how humans acquire truth, whether truth exists, the role of art and imagination in being human, a Marxist view of the Enlightenment, summing up the history and experience of socialist countries, and the role of dissent in a vibrant society. Original.

Selections from the writings of Bob Avakian and excerpts from the Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North America (Draft Proposal) from the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA