The Communist Manifesto

by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx
The Communist Manifesto cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Politics and Current Affairs
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  • ID: 1433
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781101528594
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2011-05-03
  • Formats: 47
  • Reviews: 4

Published in 1848, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels became a defining document of modern history, realigning political fault lines globally. Its provocative ideas have inspired both fervent support and intense opposition, making it one of the most debated texts in history. /n/nThis authorized English translation, edited and annotated by Engels, includes prefaces to various editions and a comprehensive introduction by historian Martin Malia. It offers a fresh perspective on the document that has left an indelible mark on the world, prompting questions about its relevance in today's era of market democracy, nationalism, and global economic tightening.

Reviews
Reddit - BookClap · u/BookClapUser · 2023-03-07
influential 4.50

The manifesto is short, simple to understand, and often misunderstood. It is a foundational document in modern history.

The reviewer highly recommends the manifesto, emphasizing its accessibility and historical significance. They note that despite its brevity, the manifesto is a cornerstone of modern political thought. The reviewer also points out that many people misunderstand the manifesto's core ideas, often due to its complex language and historical context. They suggest that reading it with an open mind can provide valuable insights into the development of modern political theories.

Quick quotes

    Absolutely. It's very short, simple to understand, and widely misunderstood.

    It's a very early Marxist document when even Marx/Engels' ideas weren't fully...

    One of the most influential documents of modern history.

Medium · Nusighba · 2020-11-25
engaging 4.25

The manifesto is praised for its accessibility and its incisive analysis of capitalism, making it a compelling read for both novices and seasoned readers. Its historical context is seen as crucial for understanding its impact.

Nusighba highlights the manifesto's ability to demystify complex economic theories, making it accessible to a wide audience. They commend Marx and Engels for their prescient analysis of capitalism's global reach and its exploitative mechanisms. The review emphasizes the importance of reading the manifesto within its historical context to fully grasp its revolutionary impact. Nusighba believes that the manifesto's critiques of capitalism remain pertinent, even if some of its solutions are no longer feasible in the modern world.

Quick quotes

    The manifesto breaks down the inner workings of capitalism and its exploitative nature.

    It talks about its rapid globalization, and can often be seen as a precursor to modern economic theories.

    The manifesto's critiques of capitalism remain pertinent, even if some of its solutions are no longer feasible.

cei.org · 2020-11-25
provocative 3.50

The review notes the manifesto's legendary rhetorical bookends and its enduring impact on political thought. It acknowledges the manifesto's ability to provoke and inspire, despite its historical context.

The reviewer highlights the manifesto's legendary rhetorical bookends, noting its enduring impact on political thought. They acknowledge the manifesto's ability to provoke and inspire, despite its historical context. The review reflects on the manifesto's role as a foundational text in political theory, emphasizing its clarity and impact. The reviewer appreciates the manifesto's ability to resonate with readers across different historical contexts, making it a timeless piece of political literature.

Quick quotes

    The manifesto of the Communist party has a legendary pair of rhetorical bookends—'A spectre is haunting Europe' and 'The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains.'

    The manifesto's critique of capitalism is as relevant today as it was in 1848.

    Marx and Engels' arguments are presented with a clarity and impact that make the manifesto a timeless piece of political literature.

Sipech's Blog · 2014-02-11
insightful 4.00

The manifesto is seen as a timeless document that captures the essence of communism, highlighting its relevance even in modern contexts. Its historical significance is undeniable, though its practical applicability is questioned.

The reviewer acknowledges the manifesto as a foundational text that has shaped political thought for over a century. They appreciate its clarity and the boldness of its ideas, which remain relevant in discussions about class struggle and capitalism. However, they also note that the manifesto's proposals might seem outdated in today's economic and political landscape. The critique suggests that while the manifesto is a must-read for understanding historical and theoretical perspectives, its solutions may not be directly applicable to contemporary issues.

Quick quotes

    It is clear from the start that this was a statement of a communism that already existed, albeit as a spectre.

    The manifesto breaks down the inner workings of capitalism and its exploitative nature.

    The manifesto of the Communist party has a legendary pair of rhetorical bookends—'A spectre is haunting Europe' and 'The proletarians have ...'

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