Introduction to Marx and Engels: A Critical Reconstruction

by Richard Schmitt

This book steers a middle path between those who argue that the theories of Marx and Engels have been rendered obsolete by historical events and those who reply that these theories emerge untouched from the political changes of the last ten years.Marxism has been a theory of historical change that claimed to be able to predict with considerable accuracy how existing institutions were going to change. Marxism has also been a political program designed to show how these inevitable changes could be hastened. Richard Schmitt argues that Marxian predictions are ambiguous and unreliable, adding that the political program is vitiated by serious ambiguities in the conceptions of class and of political and social transformations. Marxism remains of importance, however, because it is the major source of criticisms of capitalism and its associated social and political institutions. We must understand such criticisms if we are to understand our own world and live in it effectively. While very critical of the failures of Marx and Engels, this book offers a sympathetic account of their criticism of capitalism and their visions of a better world, mentions some interpretive controversies, and connects the questions raised by Marx and Engels to contemporary disputes to show continuity between social thought in the middle of the last century and today.Addressed to undergraduate students, the book is easily accessible. It will be important in introductory or middle-level courses in sociology, political theory, critical theory of literature or law. It will also be useful in graduate courses in political theory, sociology, and economics.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics, Economics

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

Reviews

[Juozas Grigas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the first part of the book offers interesting and well articulated insights into philosophical background of Marxist thought, especially its connection to Hegelian dialectics, the second half becomes a rather chaotic mess, presenting arguments that are either in no way connected to the previously constructed theories or are clearly contradictory (which is reflective of Marx's own writing). Nevertheless, I guess it is as decent an introduction to Marx and Engels as any, inadvertently demonstrating that the Marxist project is a deeply flawed one, especially in the light of contemporary capitalism.

[Kelly Wickham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it a 2 because there were some things to learn in this book, but it was flawed in so many other ways. This is an old college book of mine so even though the information is not outdated, the presentation is. The title is deceiving as it says it is an "introduction", but nothing about how this book is written is friendly to ease of learning. It is way to wordy and convoluted it is wording which just makes it way more difficult to understand than it should be. It runs your brains in circles rather than simply explaining the concepts. Although, given the times of Trump, there are a lot of parallels and predictions in this book that collide with what is currently happening in US politics at this time. Although this book is not the book to learn about Marx Engels. Way too dry and wordy!

[Tom Shipley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dry, but a great, straightforward explanation of their writings.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice, broken-down look at Marxism: its philosophy, theory, history, and what parts are obsolete and what parts are relevant. You might not like it if you're a McCarthyist, but other than that it's an extremely reasonable, thoughtful, skeptical but ultimately respectful portrayal of the writings of Marx and Engels, written in language that simplifies complex concepts.

[Brittaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing analysis of marxist theory, including alienation, modes of production/forces of production, historicism, individualism vs. collectivism, and human nature.

[Jacob]

Dry, but not overly complex, and most helpful as an overview of M&E's work, as well as common interpretations (as of the 1980's, at least).

Thanks for letting me borrow your college textbook, Dad!