Political Ideologies: Their Origins and Impact (7th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: I Still Keep Referring to This Book
Review: I keep going back to this book in all my political readings. It succinctly categorizes the major ideologies, gives brief histories, and places them in the larger picture to make the whole of political ideology more digestible. In the process, it clarifies left/right labels and dispels many of the myths that the general public has, infected by spin machines and AM radio.

I personally didn't see a pro-Marxist tilt in the book. Yet many of us who have grown up in Cold War McCarthyite America may reflexively call any book that vaguely mentions Karl Marx without dismissing him right off as "pro-Marxist."

Baradat is at his best when he steps back and shows each ideology as being part of the ebb and flow of history, of revolution and counter-revolution.

"Political Ideologies" works well as a board to dive into heavier works.

Rating:
Summary: Okay if you are a Socialist
Review: This book had lots of information but although useful it was entirely written with positive adjectives that sympathized with socialist/Marxist views as it was full of negative adjectives that denounces conservatism.

I'm sure it is not easy to write a book about political ideologies in a neutral fashion but it has been done. Authors that are writing books meant for teaching MUST follow neutrality. Otherwise it comes across as another attempt of indoctrination by the powerful voices of the left.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: This book is a great introduction to a large spectrum of our most basic political ideologies. It will help you make sense of the political debates of the day so you really understand what everyone is mouthing about. My sense of why this book seems liberal is that because when you view Conservatism in light of many other ideologies it's not the loveliest of them all.

It is clearly written and easy to read. I used the 3rd edition in college (my god has it been that long?)And by the way, if you are expecting a Social Security check during your retirement, you are a socialist!