Guild Socialism Restated
 First published in 1920, Guild Socialism Restated is G. D. H. Cole's fullest and most systematic acÂcount of his vision of industrial and political reorganization. An Oxford University political theorist and an influential figure on the British Left between the two world wars, Cole was the best-known advocate of Guild SocialÂism—a form of socialist thought that sought to transfer control of industry to professional "guilds" or self-governing associations of producers. The introductory chapters of Guild Socialism Restated develop the theme of democratic citizenÂship in relation to industrial soÂciety. Cole contends that neither Japitalism nor state socialism can dequately meet the fundamental requirements of democracy beÂcause neither provides institutions irough which active citizenship an be achieved. He insists that the atter can be realized only in the ealm of industrial relations. In so oing, Cole anticipates such con-emporary themes as workers' elf-management and participatory democracy, and he envisions also the corporatist mode of orÂganization that some would see as a defining quality of postindustrial societies. The central chapters of the book develop a view of socialist organiÂzation in which citizenship is a vital ingredient in every arena— from that of the workplace to naÂtional policymaking. Guild SoÂcialism Restated is also notable for its effort to come to terms with nonindustrial interests, and to provide representations for indiÂviduals as consumers and citiÂzens—not only as producers. Cole's book concludes with an assessment of the transition to soÂcialism. He proposes that there is a "third way" in addition to politiÂcal reform and civil war—one that will be both revolutionary and gradual. Cole writes that "he who wishes revolution to succeed should hasten towards it slowly."
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