Letters from England, 1895: Eleanor Marx and Edward Aveling

In 1895, Eleanor Marx and Edward Aveling were prominent socialists in Britain, building a socialist political force based on Karl Marx's theories. Their letters to Russia offer a unique perspective on British socialism during its crucial phase, culminating in the foundation of the Labour Party in 1900. The letters include sharp reflections on Victorian cultural figures and reveal the authors' complex life and work, as well as their friendships and political connections with prominent Russian revolutionaries. The book is of interest to students, historians, and those interested in left politics and movements in Britain.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Lawrence and Wishart Ltd

In the vibrant political landscape of 1895, two prominent figures emerged as leading socialists in Britain: Eleanor Marx and Edward Aveling. These individuals graced the company of the most influential minds of their era, ranging from Keir Hardie to William Morris. Their unwavering commitment was to establish a socialist political force grounded in the scientific theories of Eleanor's father, Karl Marx, and his collaborator, Friedrich Engels. Through their letters exchanged between England and Russia, Marx and Aveling provided a distinctive lens into the evolving nature of British socialism. As the year unfolded, British socialism entered a critical phase, culminating in the foundation of the Labour Party in 1900. These letters, penned from the heart of capitalist Britain, captured the tumultuous events that shaped the political landscape. A Liberal government, unable to fulfill its promises to labor, fell, paving the way for a Conservative-led Unionist administration. The socialists, however, faced an underwhelming performance in the general election, and Engels tragically passed away. Within these lively and accessible letters, readers are treated to sharp reflections on Victorian cultural figures such as Oscar Wilde, Annie Besant, and the emerging novelists of the new woman movement. An introductory essay delves into the complex and tumultuous lives of Marx and Aveling, shedding light on their friendships and political connections with prominent Russian revolutionaries. This book holds immense interest for students, historians, and anyone passionate about left politics and movements in Britain.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912064434