Imagine: A Socialist Vision for the 21st Century (Paperback)

'Imagine' creates a strong indictment of the failure of capitalism, from retired coal miners freezing to a poverty stricken death in Scotland to the mass starvation and environmental destruction faced by millions in the third world, while the tiny minority at the top grow richer, fatter and ever more wasteful. The book does not stop there though but makes a real attempt to outline a socialist solution to the world's problems.

The book is thoroughly researched and full of powerful information for all who are involved in the struggle against capitalism. The nature of the capitalist economy, the role of the state, the real reasons for poverty, unemployment, the oppression of women, racism and homophobia are all explained in a style that is concise and easy to understand. The wastefulness and environmental destruction resulting from a system of production that revolves around profit rather than actual need are illustrated in full.

The need for global change and internationalism runs throughout the book, and the accompanying role of technology and the internet in building this is also a strong theme. The potential of the internet has already been seen in cities such as Seattle and Melbourne, as anti-capitalist protests are built internationally using instant free communication and exchange of information. In 'Imagine' we get a glimpse of a future where technology could be used to create a direct democracy, with electronic referenda on all the issues of the day, in a future independent socialist Scotland. 'Hi-tech socialism' could also feature economic planning using the latest in information technology to track goods and production.

The book deftly takes up the chorus of nay-sayers, the 'socialism doesn't work', 'nothing will ever change' and 'its against human nature' brigade. The book gives an excellent short analysis of Stalinism and of changes in society over the course of history.

The book is by no means conclusive and the authors concede that the arguments raised will be 'picked over like fishbones'. But as a book which raises the ideas of socialism in comprehensible language, it is an invaluable tool for those who stand up against capitalism everywhere.

This is effectively the Communist Manifesto updated and relevant to today's world. "Imagine" doesn't just moan about the current capitalist system, it provides practical solutions to problems such as the distribution of wealth and power and worker exploitation. It looks at the effects of globalisation on our everyday lives as well as the necessity to have a strong environmental conscience at the heart of a future socialist society. You won't read this book and agree with it in its entirety but it does raise some major political debates that all those in the Labour and Trades Union movement should be discussing now - not tomorrow when its too late.

Both authors have a superb writing style that portrays their anger to great effect. "Imagine" is not just a book for spotty student radicals to sit and read. It's a book that should be read by even the most moderate social democrat. An excellent piece of literature that has far reaching implications for the future.

It is a compelling argument, which should not be discarded out of hand, even if you disagree with socialism it is always good to challenge your views, and no better book is likely to be written on the subject for a long time.

As a fellow scot I feel proud that my nation has created a rebirth of socialist thinking that shows just how relevant it is in an age in which the benefits of technology have turned out to be most liked and exploited by our masters.