The Communist Manifesto / The April Theses

The Communist Manifesto, written by Marx and Engels in 1917, is the key text for socialists everywhere. This centenary edition pairs it with Lenin's own revolutionary manifesto, The April Theses, which lifts politics from the level of everyday banalities to become an art form. Lenin's April Theses, written in 1917, presented his ten analytical maxims and a program to accelerate and complete the revolution that had begun in February of that year. This edition includes a new introduction by Tariq Ali, contextualizing the period in which Marx and Engels penned their masterpiece and arguing that it needs a successor.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

The 1917 Russian Revolution marked a significant turning point in the history of the Communist Manifesto, elevating it to become a pivotal text for socialists worldwide. As we commemorate the centenary of this transformative event, this volume brings together Marx and Engels' renowned work with Lenin's revolutionary manifesto, The April Theses. The April Theses, penned by Lenin in 1917, elevate politics from mundane everyday affairs to an art form, offering a program to accelerate and complete the revolution that had commenced in February of that year.

In this centenary edition, we are presented with a new introduction by Tariq Ali, providing historical context on the eve of the 1848 revolutions, during which Marx and Engels crafted their masterpiece. Ali argues that the Communist Manifesto desperately needs a successor in our contemporary times, as we face a world characterized by punishing financial crises, regimes of permanent austerity, and glaring disparities in wealth.

The Communist Manifesto is widely regarded as the most influential political text in history, inspiring and shaping movements for social change across the globe. Its call to action has resonated with generations, challenging the dominant systems of power and exploitation. In the aftermath of a devastating financial crisis, and in a world built upon regimes of perpetual austerity, the Manifesto remains a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the profound transformations wrought by capitalism and its attendant forms of exploitation.

Lenin's April Theses, alongside his Letters from Afar, written in exile in March 1917, provide a deeper understanding of the revolutionary context in which the Manifesto emerged. These writings offer insightful advice and perspectives, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by the revolutionaries of that time.

As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, the Communist Manifesto and The April Theses continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who seek a more equitable and just world. Their timeless messages remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of challenging the status quo. Let us continue to study and honor these seminal texts as we strive for a better future for all.

Weight: 155g
Dimension: 178 x 110 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839764233