“This outstanding political biography traces the development of Kautsky as a thinker and a Socialist. The author explains Kautsky’s debates with Eduard Bernstein, Ross Luxemburg, Eduard David, Georg Ledebour and others with great clarity.”
—Labor History

“Steenson's study is especially welcome. It is well researched, concise and judicious in the best sense of the word. Measured criticisms are paired with sympathetic perceptions as Steenson seeks to comprehend both Kautsky and his critics. Essential reading for those working in the history of socialist thought before and after the first World War.”
—The American Historical Review

“The author’s achievement is indeed a notable one . . . there is a good bit of valuable insight contains in Kautsky’s formulations, and those who today are turning back to the “Young Marx” for inspiration might profitably spend a night with ‘Old Kautsky’ on the way.”
—Social Science Quarterly