Four most significant works, also including "The Development of Capitalism in Russia," "Imperialism, the Highest State of Capitalism," and "The State and Revolution."
On Religion by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels In these letters and essays, the founders of Marxism discuss the origins and essence of religion and offer a thought-provoking introduction to the theoretical basis of proletarian atheism.
My Life: An Attempt at an Autobiography by Leon Trotsky This priceless historical document features firsthand accounts from top levels of leadership in the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917, chronicling the struggle to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat.
Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 by Karl Marx This predecessor to the Communist Manifesto offers a historical analysis of the human condition. Combining elements of psychology, sociology, and anthropology, it forms an accessible introduction to Marxist theory.
Reform or Revolution and Other Writings by Rosa Luxemburg A refutation of revisionist interpretations of Marxist doctrine, the title essay (1899) explains why capitalism can never overcome its internal contradictions and defines the character of the proletarian revolution. 3 other essays.
The Essential Marx by Leon Trotsky, Karl Marx Compact and fascinating, this invaluable work not only presents Marx's thoughts in his own words, it places them in the swirling context of the early 20th century.
Reflections on Violence by Georges Sorel, T. E. Hulme, J. Roth, Edward A. Shils A noted revolutionary voices his belief in class warfare as a means of effecting lasting social change. His searching inquiry extends to the functions of violence, the sources of political power, and more.
General Idea of the Revolution in the Nineteenth Century by P.-J. Proudhon Influential 1851 work, the basis for later radical and anarchist theory, posits an ideal society in which frontiers are abolished, national states eliminated, and authority decentralized among communes or locality associations.
The Revolution Betrayed by Leon Trotsky, Max Eastman One of Marxism's most important texts, this 1936 polemic explores the fate of the Russian Revolution after Lenin's death. A brilliant and profound evaluation of Stalinism, it prophesies the inevitable collapse of the Soviet Union.
