An Essay on Liberation
Worth buying if: you read critical theory or classic 20th-century political philosophy.
Skip it if: you prefer detailed empirical studies or long academic monographs.
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780807005958. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
Originally published in 1971, this 91-page essay collects Marcuse's reflections on liberation, technology, and social transformation, presenting brisk, polemical arguments aimed at readers interested in critical theory and political change.
Why this book now
Marcuse's concise intervention remains relevant for readers revisiting 20th-century critiques of society and the intellectual roots of later social movements.
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- you read critical theory or classic 20th-century political philosophy.
- you want a short, intense text on liberation, technology, and society.
- When you want immersive details, the era comes alive through details and research.
- you prefer detailed empirical studies or long academic monographs.
- you seek a neutral, nonpartisan overview of contemporary politics.
- You only want something with very current references and examples.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780807005958
Worth buying if: you read critical theory or classic 20th-century political philosophy.
Skip it if: you prefer detailed empirical studies or long academic monographs.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Quick Easy to move through
A 91-page pamphlet: a focused, relatively quick read that rewards careful, reflective rereading rather than casual skimming.
What stands out here
This Houghton Mifflin 1971 edition presents Marcuse's short, polemical essay as a stand-alone statement within his larger body of work.
Best way to approach it
Read slowly with attention to argument and historical context; annotate passages and follow up with secondary commentary for fuller understanding.
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Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780807005958
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.