El Manifiesto Comunista

Written in 1848 by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for the Communist League, this short pamphlet states the case for communism. It argues that all history is the history of class struggle, between free and slave, lord and serf, and now bourgeoisie and proletariat. The authors claim capitalism has created enormous productive power, but also a working class that will overthrow it. The text covers the relation between communists and other workers' parties, proposals for abolishing private property, and a list of measures, including progressive taxation and public education. It ends with the call that the workers of the world should unite.

It is for readers who want to read one of the most influential political texts at source, whether for study, argument or curiosity. At around fifty pages it is easy to finish, and it helps clarify later debates about socialism and capitalism.

Deep and outward-looking; a moderate read.

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