Preface

Much of this work was written at a time when the journal Praxis was a living reality and when it was still far from clear that, within a relatively brief time, what I was setting down could be read not only as a piece of contemporary history, but in a certain sense as a postmortem as well. Although I initially approached my study of the Praxis group with the intent of describing and analyzing an important, and in some respects unique, contribution to modern Marxian theory, it gradually became clear that at issue was a vital component of what now appears to be a closed chapter in Yugoslav political history, a ten-year period characterized by a degree of intense, open debate without precedent in postwar Eastern Europe. Two events better than any other marked the end of this era: the expulsion of the so-called Belgrade Eight from the University of Belgrade at the end of January 1975, followed soon after by the closing down of Praxis in mid-February 1975. These circumstances imposed on me the very sad duty of having to make certain changes in the manuscript for the sake of accuracy, such as altering verbal tenses in several instances from the present to the past. If parts of the text are still cast in the present tense, this is less a consequence of oversight than it is of my conviction that the history of the Praxis Marxists is even now still far from complete.

I would like to take this brief opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the many members of the Praxis collective who have given to me most generously of their time, patience, and friendship over the past several years. I shall always be in their debt for their help in acquainting me with important historical material of which I would otherwise have been unaware, for discussing with me many of the theoretical issues raised in this study, and for invaluable assistance in correcting some of my most serious misimpressions. In the case of a work such as this it is of course especially important to add the usual disclaimers that any factual inaccuracies are purely my own responsibility and that all interpretive or evaluative statements, as well as the general conceptual framework of the study itself and of individual sections, represent solely and exclusively the views of the author. It is my sincere hope, however, that by offering what I have sought to make a careful and objective analysis I will be able to contribute toward clarifying an exceedingly complex and tragic state of affairs.

I also wish to acknowledge other teachers, colleagues, and friends who have given me guidance, advice, and other kinds of intangible assistance in preparing this book. Professor Wolfgang Leonhard of Yale University pointed me in the direction of Praxis nearly ten years ago, an action which I can only hope he does not now regret. Professors Robert C. Tucker, Stephen F. Cohen, and Lynn T. White III of Princeton University suffered through early drafts of the manuscript and offered many sensible suggestions in terms of content, style, and organization; without their encouragement, moreover, it is doubtful whether I would have found the determination to see this work through to publication. Suzanne M. Lavender cheerfully and indomitably typed through two drafts of the manuscript without a single audible word of protest about deadlines, afterthoughts, and my own impatience. Finally, my companion and wife, Margery Leveen Sher, gave me obstinate encouragement, comfort, and for bearance during a time which was as trying for her as it was for me. It is to her that I lovingly dedicate this work.