Karl Marx Books

Karl Marx was a German philosopher who lived from 1818 to 1881. He is one of the main thinkers in communist political thought and established his own socialist tradition, Marxism, in his seminal work Capital.

Friedrich Engels was a writer and social scientist who lived from 1820 to 1895. He was one of Marx’s political companions and helped co-author several of his works.

How do we create content on this page?
1
 Books: The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

The Communist Manifesto

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
4.2 (922 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's The Communist Manifesto about?

The Communist Manifesto is the result of a meeting of international communists in London. It vividly portrays the first common position of political communism regarding the class struggle between the working class and the capitalist bourgeoisie.

Who should read The Communist Manifesto?

  • Anyone who works for someone else
  • Anyone who’s wondered why wealth seems to concentrate at the top
  • Anyone remotely interested in politics

2
 Books: Capital by Karl Marx

Capital

Karl Marx
A Critique of Political Economy
4.3 (428 ratings)
Listen to the Intro
00:00

What's Capital about?

Capital (1867) represents a groundbreaking analysis of money and its many roles at the height of the industrial revolution. By focusing on the exploitation of the working class, the text challenges traditional economic theories and frames a capitalist economy as a system inherently leading to social inequality and class struggle.

Who should read Capital?

  • Students studying political theory, economics, or sociology
  • Those curious about one of the most influential texts in economics
  • Readers seeking insights on class struggles and social inequalities

What's Critique of the Gotha Program about?

Critique of the Gotha Program is a political pamphlet written by Karl Marx in 1875. In this work, Marx criticizes the draft program of the German Workers' Party, pointing out its inconsistencies and shortcomings. He argues that the program fails to address the fundamental issues of class struggle and the transition to a communist society. Marx also discusses the concept of a "dictatorship of the proletariat" and the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." The book remains a key text in Marxist literature and a source of debate on socialist theory.

Who should read Critique of the Gotha Program?

  • Intelligent readers who are curious about Marxist theory and its critiques of capitalism
  • Students and scholars of political science, economics, and social philosophy
  • Activists and thinkers interested in exploring alternative economic and social systems

What's The Poverty of Philosophy about?

The Poverty of Philosophy is a critique of the economic and philosophical arguments put forth by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon. Written by Karl Marx, this book examines the flaws in Proudhon's theories and offers a defense of Marxist ideas. It delves into the concept of economic determinism and the role of class struggle in shaping society.

Who should read The Poverty of Philosophy?

  • Readers interested in understanding Marx's critique of Proudhon and his analysis of political economy

  • Individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of socialist and communist theory

  • Those looking for a critical examination of the limitations of capitalist economic systems