Chris Harman, who died on 7 November, 2009, the eve of his 67th birthday, was a journalist and key activist within the Socialist Workers Party.

He edited both the International Socialism journal and the Socialist Worker newspaper.

He studied at Leeds University and London School of Economics, where he first became active in socialist publishing.

For the Socialist Workers Party he produced numerous books and articles on topics ranging from Russian revolutions to the economy of the British working classes.

Alex Callinicos of the Social Worker said: “Chris was the outstanding Marxist to emerge in Britain from the great political radicalisation of the late 1960s and early 1970s. He made fundamental intellectual contributions in an astonishing range of subjects.”

He added: “Personally, I have lost my comrade, friend and teacher of more than 35 years. This is a moment to mourn and to grieve before – as Chris would expect – we resume the struggle.”