First published in 1955 to wide acclaim, James Joll’s introduction to the history and development of International Socialism before the First World War is of crucial importance for understanding the development of Left-wing movements in the 20
th
century: the difficulties posed by prominent anarchist groups, the ambiguities of the scope of revolutionary activity, and the challenges posed by the rise of nationalism. Incorporating insightful research into the international links and the ideological structure of socialism, as well as on the structure of individual parties and the actual nature of their working-class support,
The Second International 1889-1914
is a valuable resource for political historians and students of socialist thought alike.