The State and Revolution (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin)
Product ID: 13448793
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In July 1917, when the Provisional Government issued a warrant for his arrest, Lenin fled from Petrograd; later that year, the October Revolution swept him to supreme power. In the short intervening period he spent in Finland, he wrote his impassioned, never-completed masterwork The State and Revolution. This powerfully argued book offers both the rationale for the new regime and a wealth of insights into Leninist politics. It was here that Lenin justified his personal interpretation of Marxism, savaged his opponents and set out his trenchant views on class conflict, the lessons of earlier revolutions, the dismantling of the bourgeois state and the replacement of capitalism by the dictatorship of the proletariat. As both historical document and political statement, its importance can hardly be exaggerated. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
| Dimensions | 7.73 x 5.04 x 0.46 inches |
| Edition | 1992nd |
| Isbn 10 | 014018435X |
| Isbn 13 | 978-0140184358 |
| Item Weight | 5.2 ounces |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 192 pages |
| Publication Date | May 4, 1993 |
| Publisher | Penguin Classics |
| Reading Age | 18 years and up |
User
An ABSOLUTE must read for any Marxist.
The State and Revolution by Lenin addresses one of the most difficult questions faced by Marxists, the role of the state and its relationship to the revolutionary proletariat. Lenin quotes Marx and Engels throughout to make his points clear and to defend the Marxist doctrine from the many distortions and misconceptions that it was facing at the time (but still relevant today in many ways!).Although Lenin is a very clear and purposeful writer, “The State and Revolution” is one of the more advanced texts on revolutionary thought, and one needs to be somewhat well versed in Marxism with a decent grasp of its core concepts before reading this.I would recommend however, at the very least, reading “The Communist Manifesto”, “Socialism: Utopian and Scientific”, and “Principles of Communism” BEFORE reading Lenin.
User
Book
Exactly as ordered
User
Important Read, but keep in mind the context andd history
This is a classic work and as such deserves 5 stars. The editor's introduction is very good and sets the context for the rest of the book. I do not know how well it is translated as I am not a only speak English but it reads consistent with what I know of his views.The transition of the USSR to socialism completely failed from the get-go due to the material conditions the revolution took place in. Something like 90% of the population was the peasantry while the proletariat made up a very small percentage -- what this meant is in order to succeed the proletariat, with genuine revolutionary intentions, was forced to ally with the peasantry in order to succeed. The different aims resulted in the peasantry abandoning the cause once their goals were met and the failure of any transition to socialism. We instead ended up with state capitalism and a dominant party.The biggest issue with Lenin is the concept of a vanguard party that has to awaken the unconscious masses -- to bring them socialism. This simply cannot work as a successful revolution has to come spontaneously from the proletariat and their organization has to be a direct product of their needs, not a theory put upon them by a more awakened class of elite revolutionaries. This is how the highly praised Paris Commune came to be, not from some application of existing theory.tldr go away tankies; "actually existing socialism" === "not actually socialism but has a red flag."
User
Very informative but challenging
Lenin explains his program in great detail. A very useful reference point in this respect. However at times possibly too much detail. A bit repetitive in places. It was translated 100 years ago, so some of the expressions ate no longer in common usage.
User
Thoughts on revolution from a revolutionary
A must-read for all leftists, no matter your tendency. You might not agree with all of Lenin's conclusions, or at least be skeptical of them like I am (I can't help but compare what he said to what he did, personally) but his arguments are so well thought out that he deserves your time and consideration regardless.
User
Great read
My favorite book of theory highly recommend for anyone, anyone can read this and learn something
User
Outstanding.
As always with Penguin Classics, "The State and Revolution" is beautifully introduced, this time by Robert Service. It is a must have for any Marxist-Leninist as well as anyone interested in the rich history of Russia and the path Lenin saw as the way forward.
User
it's good to read the original works, not the way socialism is spun by politicians today, who just want to spend your money
great edition, useful information
User
Tolles Buch
Extrem wichtiges und heute immer noch relevantes Buch!
User
Excellent book, important theory
Absolutely fantastic, a must read for any leftist. Should be taught in schools. Well written, easy to follow and grasp, and entertaining.
User
The dictorship of the proletariat
Very useful for uni research or A levels history , it allows you to deeply immerse yourself in the subject matter a
User
Good book
Very good book
User
Excellent
Exactly the book I was looking for...
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