Marx in Paris, 1871: Jenny's "Blue Notebook"

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, Olivier Besancenot and Michael Löwy offer an imagined history of Karl Marx and his daughter Jenny's journey to Paris in 1871, encountering and debating important figures of the movement and returning with a changed sense of political possibility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Paris Commune, leftist writers Olivier Besancenot and Michael Löwy present a captivating and highly informative imagined history, delving into the possibilities of what could have transpired if Karl Marx and his eldest daughter, Jenny, had journeyed to Paris during the tumultuous weeks of April 1871. Taking on disguises, Karl and Jenny engage in conversations with numerous influential figures of the movement, including Leó Frankel, Eugène Varlin, Charles Longuet, Elisabeth Dmitrieff, and Louise Michel, ultimately returning to England with a renewed and expanded perception of political potential.

The Paris Commune, a pivotal moment in French history, marked a period of radical social and political upheaval. It was a time when the working class rose up in rebellion against the ruling elite, demanding greater equality, social justice, and political power. The Commune's impact was felt worldwide, inspiring socialist and labor movements across the globe.

In this imagined history, Karl Marx and Jenny, disguised as ordinary travelers, find themselves in the heart of the Paris Commune. They encounter a diverse range of characters, from revolutionaries to intellectuals, each with their own unique perspective on the struggle for change. Through their conversations and observations, Karl and Jenny gain a deeper understanding of the movement's goals and the challenges it faced.

One of the key figures they meet is Leó Frankel, a prominent socialist leader who played a significant role in the Commune's establishment. Leó is a charismatic and visionary figure, who believes in the power of the working class to create a socialist society free from capitalist oppression. He shares his ideas with Karl and Jenny, and they discuss the potential for a socialist revolution in Europe and beyond.

Another important figure they encounter is Eugène Varlin, a journalist and political theorist who was a close friend of Leó Frankel. Eugène is a fierce critic of capitalism and imperialism, and he advocates for a global socialist movement that seeks to unite workers across borders. He challenges Karl and Jenny to consider the implications of their ideas on a global scale and encourages them to think beyond the boundaries of their own country.

Charles Longuet, a lawyer and political activist, is another key figure they meet during their time in Paris. Charles is a member of the French Socialist Party and a strong advocate for workers' rights and social justice. He shares his experiences with Karl and Jenny, and they discuss the challenges of organizing a successful socialist movement in a country that is still deeply entrenched in capitalist ideology.

Elisabeth Dmitrieff, a feminist and social reformer, is another important figure they encounter during their time in Paris. Elisabeth is a fierce advocate for women's rights and social equality, and she believes that the struggle for women's liberation is closely linked to the struggle for socialism. She shares her ideas with Karl and Jenny, and they discuss the role of women in the movement and the need for gender equality in a socialist society.

Louise Michel, a young socialist activist and poet, is another key figure they meet during their time in Paris. Louise is a passionate and committed advocate for social change, and she uses her poetry to express her political beliefs and inspire others to join the movement. She shares her poetry with Karl and Jenny, and they discuss the power of art and literature to promote social justice and political awareness.

As Karl and Jenny continue their journey through the Paris Commune, they are profoundly affected by the experiences they have had. They witness the struggles and sacrifices of the working class, and they are inspired by the courage and determination of the revolutionaries they meet. They return to England with a renewed sense of political possibility and a commitment to continue working towards a socialist future.

The Paris Commune's 150th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the movement's legacy and the lessons it holds for today's social and political movements. The Commune's vision of a socialist society free from capitalist oppression remains a powerful and relevant message, and its example continues to inspire activists and thinkers around the world.

In conclusion, Olivier Besancenot and Michael Löwy's imagined history of the Paris Commune offers a captivating and informative perspective on the possibilities of what could have transpired if Karl Marx and his eldest daughter, Jenny, had journeyed to Paris during the head 150th anniversary of the movement. Through their conversations and observations, Karl and Jenny gain a deeper understanding of the movement's goals and the challenges it faced, and they are profoundly affected by the experiences they have had. The Commune's legacy continues to inspire social and political movements around the world, and its example serves as a reminder of the power of the working class to create a better world.

Dimension: 124 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642595888