Acknowledgements
I came to the positions I take in this book by way of countless arguments and exchanges with comrades and colleagues. These friends allowed me to vociferously defend only mildly plausible views while I was finding my way to better ones, most often with their help. I am deeply grateful to my colleague Amy Bauer, who read and commented on every chapter as it was being drafted. Her unflagging seriousness about ideas, and her insistence on clarity and concreteness, were invaluable to me. At UC Irvine, I also enjoyed guidance and support from David Brodbeck, Colleen Reardon, and Nicole Grimes.
Standing as it does somewhat outside the academic mainstream, Marxism is an intellectual tradition most often inherited in the context of political organising. I am exceedingly fortunate that my activities on the organised Left led me to Kevin Anderson and Peter Hudis. Their deep knowledge about Marxism’s philosophical foundations continues to shape my approach to the field. The whole time I was working on this project, I was also reading, studying, and debating with Nathan Fisher, Matthew Taylor, and Jason Netek. These comrades remain my role models in intellectual self-development.
The inspiration for this project sprang from my work with Bryan Parkhurst. I count the time I spent writing and thinking with him as among the most important intellectual experiences of my life. This book would certainly never have been written without him.
I am terribly grateful to my parents whose unflagging faith in me has kept me afloat all these years. I cherish their love and wisdom.
Much of this text was written during pandemic quarantine. Brandon Gremchuck’s help, patience, and perspective in those long months made it possible for me to live well while I worked. He remains a model friend.