This allotment of space corresponds somewhat roughly to the relative importance of these countries in the international movement.

As my idea has been not to describe, but to interpret, I have laid additional weight on the first five countries named, on the ground that each has developed a distinct type of labor movement.

As I am concerned with national parties and labor organizations only as parts of the international movement, however, I have avoided, wherever possible, all separate treatment and all discussion of features that are to be found only in one country.
The book is divided into three parts; the first deals with the external environment out of which Socialism is growing and by which it is being shaped, the second with the internal struggles by which it is shaping and defining itself, the third with the reaction of the movement on its environment.

I first differentiate Socialism from other movements that seem to resemble it either in their phrases or their programs of reform, then give an account of the movement from within, without attempting to show unity where it does not exist, or disguising the fact that some of its factions are essentially anti-Socialist rather than Socialist, and finally, show how all distinctively Socialist activities lead directly to a revolutionary outcome.
I am indebted to numerous persons, Socialists and anti-Socialists, who during the twelve years in which I have been gathering material--in nearly all the countries mentioned--have assisted me in my work.

But I must make special mention of the very careful reading of the whole manuscript by Mr.J.G.Phelps Stokes, and of the numerous and vital changes made at his suggestion.
CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE v INTRODUCTION ix PART I "STATE SOCIALISM" AND AFTER CHAPTER I.THE CAPITALIST REFORM PROGRAM 1 II.