Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary. Born in Prussia on May 5, 1818, Marx's work in economics laid the basis for much of the current understanding of labor and its relation to capital, and has influenced much of subsequent economic thought. He published numerous books during his lifetime, the most notable being 'The Communist Manifesto' and 'Das Kapital'. His theories about society, economics, and politics, collectively understood as Marxism, hold that human societies develop through class struggle and that this will ultimately lead to the establishment of a classless society. Marx spent much of his life in exile in Britain and died in London on March 14, 1883.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Communist Manifesto

    This influential political pamphlet advocates for the abolition of private property, the rights of the proletariat, and the eventual establishment of a classless society. The authors argue that all of history is a record of class struggle, culminating in the conflict between the bourgeoisie, who control the means of production, and the proletariat, who provide the labor. They predict that this struggle will result in a revolution, leading to a society where property and wealth are communally controlled.

  2. 2. Das Kapital

    This influential work is a comprehensive critique of political economy, exploring the complex nature of capitalism, its production processes, and its societal impact. The book delves into the intricacies of commodities, labor theory of value, surplus value, and exploitation, arguing that capitalism is inherently unstable and prone to periodic crises. It also posits that the capitalist system ultimately leads to the concentration of wealth in fewer hands, causing social inequality and paving the way for its own demise. The book is widely regarded as a foundational text in the development of socialist and communist ideologies.

  3. 3. The 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte

    This historical work provides a detailed analysis of the coup d'etat that brought Louis Bonaparte to power in France in 1851. The author examines the social and political dynamics that allowed Bonaparte to seize control, including the role of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. He presents a critique of the event itself and its implications for the class struggle, suggesting that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

  4. 4. Grundrisse: Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy

    This book is a thorough critique of capitalism as an economic system, providing a comprehensive analysis of its structure and consequences. The author delves into the nature of commodities, labor, money, and capital, and explores the complex relationships between these elements. The book also offers a critical examination of the capitalist mode of production, the division of labor, and the exploitation of the working class, arguing that these aspects of capitalism lead to social inequality and economic instability. The author advocates for a socialist system as a more equitable and sustainable alternative to capitalism.