Shortly before he was assassinated in 1940, Leon Trotsky — one of Marx's most devoted converts and a key figure in the Russian Revolution — made this selection from Capital, to which he appended his own lengthy and insightful introduction. Compact and fascinating, this invaluable work not only presents Marx's thoughts in his own words but also places them in the swirling context of the 20th century. A critical analysis of ideas that have influenced millions of lives for well over a century, this book will be an important addition to the libraries of students and instructors of economics, history, government, and Communist thought.

DIVCompact and fascinating, this invaluable work not only presents Marx's thoughts in his own words, it places them in the swirling context of the early 20th century. /div

In 'The Essential Karl Marx,' readers are presented with a thoughtfully curated anthology that spans a remarkable range of ideological discourse and literary techniques, rooted in the critical examination of socioeconomic structures. This collection brings together seminal works that reflect on the dynamics of class struggle, economic theory, and political praxis, underscoring the diversity and depth of Marxism. The inclusion of key texts not only highlights the evolution of Marx's thought but also showcases the interpretive analyses by prominent figures Florence Kelley and N.I. Stone, presenting a comprehensive overview that is both historical and profoundly relevant to contemporary discussions on capitalism and its discontents. The contributing authors and editors collectively make up an illustrious panel of critical thinkers and activists, each bringing their unique perspective and contextual understanding to Marx's oeuvre. Florence Kelley's advocacy for labor rights and N.I. Stone's contributions to economic socialism intersect with Marx's theories, providing a rich tapestry of social and economic critique. This fusion of backgrounds situates the anthology within broader movements of socialist and Marxist theory, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of critical social theory across different periods and contexts. 'The Essential Karl Marx' is a compelling invitation to those intrigued by Marxist theory, political economy, and social justice, offering an unparalleled exploration of Marx's legacy through the lens of diverse interpreters. This volume promises an enriching educational experience, stimulating critical thought and encouraging a deeper understanding of one of philosophy's most significant figures and his interpreters. It is an essential read for scholars, students, and anyone looking to delve into the complexities of Marxist thought and its continuing relevance in modern discourse.

A "close textual analysis" of the life and work of Karl Marx, emphasizing that his thought took the form of a secular religion, deeply affected by his Christian upbringing. Supports the research trend seeing a unity between the thought of the young, "humanist" Marx and the later "scientific" thinker. Marx's early essay "On the Jewish Question" is dealt with in ch. 6 (pp. 70-77). In presenting Judaism as a synonym for capitalism, Marx echoes antisemitic stereotypes, perhaps influenced by self-hatred. In the process, he reached fruitful insights about society and history.

This book offers a complete presentation of the most important themes of Marx’s thought, following the development of Marx’s theory from the beginning to his death and offering a reconstruction and analysis that covers the whole of Marx’s life and works. Each chapter presents one of the central topics of Marx’s reflection: the confrontation with the Hegelian theory of the State (1843); the critique of political liberalism in the “On the Jewish Question”; the discovery of Political Economy in the Manuscripts of 1844; the new theory of history developed in The German Ideology; the political theory and the revolution of 1848; the critique of political economy from the Grundrisse to Capital; and the political thought of the last Marx (the Paris Commune and the critique of the German Social Democratic Party).Stefano Petrucciani is Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.