The SSL ‘Book of the Month’ feature highlights a book in our collection that has been chosen by one of our Subject Consultants. This may be a recent addition to our stock or an existing item that we would like to share with you.

The left case against the EU

by Costas Lapavitsas

Polity Press, 2019

Shelfmark: JN50.LAP 2019

Our Book of the Month choice for July has been selected by Jo Gardner, Bodleian Social Science Librarian and Subject Consultant for Politics and International Relations.

Why was it chosen?

The choice was inspired by the current instability within and around the European Union.

Book Overview

In The Left Case Against the EU, Costas Lapavitsas makes the case that the European Union is beyond left-wing reform, as evidenced by its response to the Eurozone crisis. He argues that the union has become a neoliberal citadel that embeds austerity, privatisation and wage cuts. If the union has drifted rightward, Lapavitsas argues that the only way to fight for reform is from within.

Reviews:

‘This is one of the most significant books on modern politics to appear in the last decade, and virtually the only one fully to grasp the nature of our present situation.’
Richard Tuck, Harvard University

‘Nowhere has the political economy of the common currency and of German ascendancy in Europe been more clearly exposed.’
Wolfgang Streeck, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies

‘Expedient, informed and lucid’
David Hollanders, Department of European Studies, University of Amsterdam.

Where can I find it?

We have one copy of the book, which is for library use only. It is currently located on top of our New Books Display Area (located around the corner from our Library Issue Desk). You are welcome to remove it from the display to take a look at it. The shelfmark for the title is JN50.LAP 2019

What would your SSL Book of the Month be? Do you have a favourite book in our collection? If so, we would love to know what it is. Add a comment below or email us.