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Summary: Pamphlet of key communist ideals
Review: What more can be said about the Communist Manifesto? It has been heavily criticized as a book which promotes murder, class conflict and societal divisions. Conversely, praise has been lavished upon it by the key architects of 20th century communism. To my mind, the Communist Manifesto should be read as is, keeping in mind that the movements supposedly inspired by this document were not sanctioned by the author and were simply the interpretations of specific groups. So, if one is capable of reading the Communist Manifesto apart from its historical interpretations, what would he find? For starters, this is essentially a pamphlet, a quick distillation of Marx's key ideas. This is evidenced by his listing of the key ten points for the communist movement. To call The Communist Manifesto a bible on communism is a critical folly. Furthermore, the manifesto is somewhat poorly organized, and was written with a deadline. Nonetheless, critical communist ideals are espoused in its pages, making it a required read. In closing, with the communist movement critically weakened, this manifesto has been reduced to little more than a historical document. However, it is a worthwhile and quick read, one which is essential for any student of 20th century history.
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Summary: Double Propaganda
Review: I have nothing against propaganda, in the proper sense of the word. That is, I have nothing against trying to get out your point of view. However, when you take any political work, especially one that's something of an introduction for those new to a particular socio-political phylosophy, and you insist on including an "introduction" that doesnt' even try to hide the fact that it's claiming that the entire book is full of [junk], well, that's just disgusting. In my mind, all it really does is lend more credibility to the 150-year-old document. I recommend getting a different publication of this book. In fact, I recommend finding your local underground bookstore and getting it there, if only for the experience. I gave this book a score of 1, but only because the "introduction" pisses me off to no end. I highly recommend that anybody read the Communist Manifesto itself, even if it is arguably written in an outdated way.
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Summary: A Reactionary Thesis to the First Industrial Revolution
Review: When considering the "Communist Manifesto," I believe that it is important to place this writing within the context of history. In 1848, London was reaching the height of the First Industrial Revolution. The massive population explosion, rapid urbanization of London, combined with deplorable working and living conditions of the city's working poor may have inspired its authors. Although I am not an appologist for Marx, it is not hard to understand the youthful exuberance of the Manifesto's authors - as they were in their early 20s during this time.
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Summary: Lies, lies, and more lies
Review: Yes, a specter certainly is haunting Europe... and Asia... all over the world. The specters of millions upon millions of dead, murdered by the hateful grabage contained in this vapid little book. Not worth the paper it's printed on.
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Summary: The perfect model-for failure
Review: Communism has failed wherever it has been tried,not to mention it left shattered,impoverished nations and mountains of corpses in its wake.However,this book is an essential read to see clearly how Utopianistic thinking must necessarily lead to disaster.Marxism as it exists today has been reduced to a religious faith.Some still hold onto it no matter how utterly it has failed in the real world.But then again,isn't the inability to live in the real world the definition of the hard-core leftists?By the way,the only Proletariat Marx knew was his house maid.As a wise man once said,'there is no more pernicious people on Earth than idle,Utopian dreamers'.The bloodbath of the 20th century certainly attests to that.
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Summary: Dry
Review: Unfortunatly, I was forced to read this book, so I did not enjoy it as much as I should have. While very informative, it was very dry. This is understandable because it was not for pleasure, but information. I don't think it was a good book overall. The book made it clear why communism would not work. Not many people are willing to give up their property to the government.
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Summary: Proves why it failed in the first place
Review: Marx was a lazy slob who wanted wealth handed to him on a silver plater. He didn't have the guts or the drive to either rob some one for cash or work for it in the firsr place. Instead the man wants goverment to do it for him. This book is a shining exmple of an "intelectual" thinking he has practial knowledge. If you must, get this book for what not to do.
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Summary: Rebel Youth !Buy And Read Pathfinder Press Edition !
Review: Whether you think the enemy of working people and of young people who want a human world is 'globalization' ,or Bush, or politicians in general, or just your boss : if you are fighting for a better life for all; if war, mass unemployment, poverty, racism, sexism etc, etc, repell and anger you , then you need this pamphlet. Now. You will keep wondering as you read , ' When was this written ? ' Because in this pamphlet two young revolutionary fighters ( one 29, one 30 yrs. old at the time ) describe the world we live in today : 'global ' capitalism .They also describe the only social class that can put an end to this system : the very working people who create all wealth and the basis for all culture. Not rhetoric, but science.With introduction by a co-leader ( with Lenin ) of the Russian Revolution and fighter against Stalin-ism , Leon Trotsky.You can see this same approach applied to today?s world in The Working Class And The Transformation Of Learning and Cuba And The Coming American Revolution by U.S. socialist leader Jack Barnes.
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Summary: Very good edition: Pathfinder's
Review: Written by two young men who saw how to change the world. It's in-your-face. The opening gambit is a taunt: 'A spectre is haunting Europe -- the spectre of communism.' Fighters flaunting their confidence. Great vivid images which ring all the truer today -- capitalism is like a sorcerer who has conjured up immense forces beyond his control, they say. But, ridiculously, forces of too-much wealth, too-much food, over-abundance in the face of starvation and devastation. Sound like today's world? They explain why this happens and how to end the paradox. The Manifesto answers the debates and rulers' propaganda of the time (and ours, too). Are communists godless heathens? Do they abandon morals and use women? Are rebels just lazy good-for-nothings? I like the Pathfinder edition because it's [affordable], has an introduction by a leader of the Russian revolution (Leon Trotsky) which brings it up-to-date for our epoch and has lots of margin space in which to write notes.
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Summary: Superior Introduction and Explanation of Marxism
Review: The Communist Manifesto is a superior piece of political work. Karl Marx was able to put great information of his Workers theories into one small volume that is 20 times lighter than his work of "Das Kapital"; - having nevertheless great information and inspiration descibing the idea of Communism. This explains the motivations and stages of his idea of a Socialist government, written in a key time when the industry and modern Capitalism first started to develop, using each other to exploit the working class for capital. This book can be read by anyone, and includes a small glossary of important terms to help the reader understand what Marx and Engels are trying to explain. I recommend this book to anybody who considers themself a non-bigot and open-minded person. This is truly one of the greatest, if not the greatest pieces of political literature ever written.
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