This book clearly establishes Ford as one of the boldest and most insightful emerging political and educational theorists. Ford moves deftly and daringly between disparate thinkers and concepts, weaving together philosophy, history, and educational theory in creative, profound, and lucid ways. He identifies and answers the most pressing political question of our moment: What does it mean to study like a communist? In doing so, he develops a groundbreaking communist theory of study, a praxis that is as provocative as it is practical.

- Peter McLaren, Distinguished Professor in Critical Studies, Chapman University,

Ford understands that revolutions don’t organize themselves, nor do they evolve naturally and painlessly from the social and economic system destroying the world and crushing humanity today; revolutions are not a walk in the park nor do they arrive on the wings of aspiration alone. This surprising book extends that battle based on the Marxist principle that it’s not enough to interpret the world—‘The point . . . is to change it.’ It maps the treacherous, hopeful territory between the pessimism of the head and the optimism of the heart. Communist Study is a necessary book.

- Bill Ayers, emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago,

Communist Study should be required of all theorists and activists concerned with radical political transformation. With brilliance and courage, Derek R. Ford dismantles dogma old and new, pressing us to forge the commonness that can make us a political force.

- Jodi Dean, Hobart and William Smith Colleges,