During my recent visit to Spartacus Books, I was able to get caught up with the literature of my favourite Trotskyists, the folk who publish the Workers Vanguard newsprint magazines (still just 50 cents) and the Partisan Defense Committee and Spartacist pamphlets (two bucks at the most). One doesn’t have to be a revolutionary communist to appreciate the unsparing analysis of national and world economies found in these publications. (I especially like its scathing pieces on women’s issues.)

I also picked up the 30th anniversary issue of “World War 3 Illustrated,” which features a few dozen comix-art pieces on the theme of “the food chain.” Most of the work is beautifully illustrated and smart. I recommend you pick this up if you can find it. (Try these cool places.) Some of the art: