Katherine Verdery's "What Was Socialism and What Comes Next?" is a collection of essays that addresses critical questions of the twentieth century, particularly the rise and fall of socialism. The book is reviewed by David A. Kideckel and published in H-SAE in December 1996. Verdery argues that socialism, despite its initial promises of human betterment and socio-economic equality, failed due to internal contradictions and bureaucratic inefficiencies. She suggests that the failure of socialism has led to a reevaluation of its political legitimacy. The book is divided into three parts, with an introduction, and includes essays on the political economy of socialism, identity, and political processes in post-socialist societies. Verdery's analysis of socialism's structure and demise is informed by the work of other scholars, but she also highlights the role of resistance and the complexities of post-socialist transitions. The book discusses the impact of socialism on gender, nationalism, and civil society, with a particular focus on Romania. Verdery's analysis of the transition from socialism to a post-socialist world is nuanced, acknowledging the struggles and uncertainties of the process. However, the reviewer notes that the book's focus on Romanian issues may limit its universality. The essays often assume the dominance of elites, which may not fully capture the complexity of post-socialist transitions. The reviewer also points out a tendency to judge transitional issues as indicative of systemic failure, which may oversimplify the complexities of the transition. Overall, the book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of socialism and its legacy.Katherine Verdery's "What Was Socialism and What Comes Next?" is a collection of essays that addresses critical questions of the twentieth century, particularly the rise and fall of socialism. The book is reviewed by David A. Kideckel and published in H-SAE in December 1996. Verdery argues that socialism, despite its initial promises of human betterment and socio-economic equality, failed due to internal contradictions and bureaucratic inefficiencies. She suggests that the failure of socialism has led to a reevaluation of its political legitimacy. The book is divided into three parts, with an introduction, and includes essays on the political economy of socialism, identity, and political processes in post-socialist societies. Verdery's analysis of socialism's structure and demise is informed by the work of other scholars, but she also highlights the role of resistance and the complexities of post-socialist transitions. The book discusses the impact of socialism on gender, nationalism, and civil society, with a particular focus on Romania. Verdery's analysis of the transition from socialism to a post-socialist world is nuanced, acknowledging the struggles and uncertainties of the process. However, the reviewer notes that the book's focus on Romanian issues may limit its universality. The essays often assume the dominance of elites, which may not fully capture the complexity of post-socialist transitions. The reviewer also points out a tendency to judge transitional issues as indicative of systemic failure, which may oversimplify the complexities of the transition. Overall, the book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of socialism and its legacy.