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: Hardback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 28 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 Leo Frankel, Eugène Varlin, Charles Longuet, Elisabeth Dmitrieff, and Louise Michel, ultimately returning to England with a renewed sense 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 Commune during its most tumultuous weeks. 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 Leo Frankel, a prominent socialist leader who played a significant role in the Commune's early days. Frankel, known for his fiery oratory and his commitment to social equality, shares his vision for a socialist society with Karl and Jenny. He discusses the importance of collective ownership of the means of production, the abolition of private property, and the creation of a workers' government.

Karl and Jenny also have the opportunity to engage with Eugène Varlin, a journalist and political theorist who was a key figure in the Commune's later stages. Varlin, known for his critical analysis of capitalism and his support for workers' rights, challenges Karl's ideas and offers a different perspective on the struggle for social change. He argues that the Commune's emphasis on direct democracy and self-management may have led to a lack of effective leadership and decision-making, which ultimately contributed to its downfall.

Charles Longuet, a prominent socialist journalist and writer, is another figure Karl and Jenny encounter. Longuet, who was exiled from France during the Commune, shares his experiences and insights into the movement's history and politics. He discusses the role of the working class in the revolution and the challenges they faced in establishing a socialist society.

Elisabeth Dmitrieff, a feminist and socialist activist, is another important character Karl and Jenny meet. Dmitrieff, who was a member of the Commune's Women's Council, discusses the struggle for women's rights and the role of women in the movement. She argues that the Commune's commitment to social equality should also include gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Louise Michel, a young socialist activist and writer, is another figure Karl and Jenny encounter. Michel, who was only 19 years old at the time of the Commune, shares her experiences and perspectives on the movement. She discusses the importance of youth activism and the need for a new generation of workers to take up the struggle for social change.

Through their conversations and observations, Karl and Jenny begin to develop a new understanding of the political possibilities that existed in the late 19th century. They realize that the struggle for social change was not limited to France but was a global phenomenon that demanded a unified response. They also begin to question the traditional Marxist ideology, which had been dominant in the socialist movement for many years.

As the Commune's days draw to a close, Karl and Jenny return to England with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They are inspired by the ideas and the struggles of the Paris Commune and are determined to continue the fight for social justice and political change. They write articles and books, organize rallies and protests, and work to build a socialist movement that can bring about a better world for all.

In conclusion, Olivier Besancenot and Michael Löwy's imagined history of the Paris Commune offers a captivating and highly informative perspective on a pivotal moment in French history. Through their characters and their conversations, the authors explore the political possibilities that existed in the late 19th century and challenge the traditional Marxist ideology. Karl and Jenny's journey to Paris is not only a journey of discovery but also a journey of self-discovery, as they begin to question their own beliefs and values and work towards a more just and equitable world.

Dimension: 124 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642596625