proposed the merger of the two types of class organizations into
one as a living testimonial to the identity of interests they espouse
so ceremoniously. Moreover, the class organizations of both sides
have been increasingly and antagonistically active in politics in
recent years. Each seeks to increase its power and influence in
government, each seeks to reduce not only the political influence
but the political activity of the others. Thoughtful, or at least
instinctive, capitalist judgment more or less grasps the objective
implications of labor's organized, class intervention into political
life, even if it is still not as advanced, open-faced, and assertive
as it is in other countries. This is not the confirmation of Marxism,
to be sure. Neither is it the refutation. But it, too, is a challeng-
ing development, certainly not to supporters of Marxism alone.
Once again, a knowledge of what Marx thought and wrote and
did is a valuable aid to understanding.

Franz Mehring once recalled that the philosopher Fichte
scolded the German reader for his refusal to read a book be-
cause he first wanted to read a book about the book. We Amer-
icans deserve the same or a stronger scolding, because we first
want to read an authoritative review of a book about the book.
That being the case, and reform of habits being a long way off,
Mehring's biography of Marx is to be recommended--as it
always has been by serious scholars and students--as the best
introduction to the works, to the life, and struggle of the most
eminent figure in world socialism.

1962 MAX SHACHTMAN

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