Friedrich Engels for the 21st Century: Reflections and Revaluations

This edited volume presents an interdisciplinary and international revaluation of Friedrich Engels, presenting nineteen critical essays by scholars from Germany, USA, UK, Italy, China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines. It covers epistemology, political economy, political theory, gender studies, cultural studies, political geography, philosophy of social science, and sociological studies of class conflict. The book offers fresh consideration of familiar works and explores Engels' less familiar pamphleteering, literary criticism, and political commentary. It highlights the significance of Engels in the 21st century, particularly from non-Anglophone scholars, and encourages readers to appreciate his wide-ranging contributions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 405 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume presents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary reevaluation of Friedrich Engels, recognizing him as a significant figure in his own right, far beyond his association with Karl Marx or his role as a secondary player in the Marxist orchestra. Comprising nineteen critical essays written by scholars from Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines, this collection offers a multifaceted exploration of Engels' ideas and contributions.

Through the presentation and evaluation of archival material and scholarly commentary, the essays cover a wide range of subjects, including epistemology, political economy, political theory, gender studies, cultural studies, political geography, philosophy of social science, and sociological studies of class conflict. This interdisciplinary approach provides a fresh perspective on familiar works such as "The Condition of the Working Class in England," "The Origin of the Family," "Private Property and the State," and "The Dialectics of Nature."

Furthermore, the volume delves into Engels' less familiar pamphleteering, literary criticism, and political commentary, offering detailed contextualization and careful analysis. By engaging with different intellectual and political receptions of Engels' work, particularly from non-Anglophone scholars, this book fosters productive conversations and sheds light on why Engels has been celebrated widely two hundred years after his birth.

The editors of this volume have done an excellent job in bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations, resulting in a rich and diverse collection of essays. The chapters are well-organized, providing clear summaries and insightful conclusions, making it accessible to students, activists, and specialists alike.

In conclusion, "Friedrich Engels for the 21st Century: Perspectives and Problems" is a valuable contribution to the study of Friedrich Engels and his intellectual legacy. By presenting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective, this volume encourages readers to reexamine Engels' ideas and place him in the broader context of 20th-century social and political movements. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Marxism, social theory, and the history of ideas.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 154 x 218 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030971373
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022