Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12913 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 86 pages

Synopsis
This title is the classic communist party manifesto which started this one and a half decade political movement. The seven rarely published prefaces, mostly written by Frederick Engels after the death of Karl Marx, are included making this publication the complete communist manifesto. Although this title is known as one of the most famous left-wing propagandist publications, it serves as a lesson for thos of all political philosophys. The Communist Manifesto should be required reading when studying political science, radicalism and radical political thought.

Customer Reviews

Immature Marx
Although of great historical significance, the Manifesto is a poor representation of Marx's mature views,and pre-dates most of his studies of capitalist economics. Anyone relying on this to understand Marxism would be seriously misled. Any decent summary of Marx's thought as a whole would be better. David McLellan's work is pretty good, but most other non-Marxists seem more keen to refute Marx than accurately reflect his ideas - usually with invalid arguments based on a poor understanding of what Marx actually said.

Is Marxism dead?
The Communist Manifesto can be quite shocking to the modern reader who is conditioned to believe in a certain philosophy. But just as all rational persons are willing to listen to an alternative religious or moral viewpoint (because they pose no danger to the false consciousness of the listener), so should all reasonable persons listen to the words of Marx and Engels. They do not because they perceive Communism as a threat, a perception enhanced by the corruption of the Soviet Union. Remember this: It is power that corrupts, not Communism. Read this pamphlet. Know your rights. Know Freedom.

Where to begin?
I bought this book for my 15 year old son who is trying to break out of the National Curriculum tunnel view of life. I applaud his interest though I feel that, post Lenin (and Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot et al), there are manifestly better ways for a young man to spend his time! However, it looks a nice edition and I am pleased that the Manifesto remains in print.