Description
Book SynopsisPeter Lamb is a Senior Lecturer of Politics and International Relations at Staffordshire University, UK.
Trade ReviewA superb companion to one of history’s few genuinely transformative texts. Lamb takes us from the appearance of the Manifesto in the mid-nineteenth century through to its on-going impact in the age of globalization, and combines this with a sharp analysis of the themes and tropes that made Marx and Engels into household names. This Reader’s Guide will be of interest not only to students, but also to anyone who wants to better understand the Manifesto’s long and lasting impact. * Imre Szeman, Canada Research Chair in Cultural Studies and Professor of English, Film Studies and Sociology University of Alberta, Canada *
The Communist Manifesto is – alongside Nietzsche’s
Beyond Good and Evil and Darwin’s
The Origin of the Species – among the two or three texts essential to a basic understanding of the intellectual history of the 19th century in Europe. Proceeding alongside the text in a patiently expository fashion, but with a continual eye to other writings by Marx which clarify key passages, Peter Lamb’s guide is an excellent place to start for readers with no prior knowledge of the Manifesto or the context in which it was written. * Andrew Pendakis, Assistant Professor of Theory and Rhetoric, Brock University, Canada *
At last a full-length commentary on the Manifesto. Peter Lamb guides readers through the text, giving expert comments on points of English translation and contextual background. He updates the work's reception to include critical theory, Hardt and Negri, as well as Žižek. This is a timely work, improving on currently available introductions. * Terrell Carver, Professor of Political Theory, University of Bristol, UK *
Lamb explains, with a great deal of success, the major themes and ideas present in the
Manifesto. Essentially, the author sets out to give students a look into the world of early Marxist thought ... Overall, I find Lamb’s contribution to be useful in the context of a possible companion to primary texts in undergraduate courses intended to introduce students to political theories ... Instructors who feel as though their current syllabi do not spend enough time explaining Marxism may do well to consider adding Lamb’s book as a recommended reading. -- Garrett Pierman * Marx and Philosophy Review of Books *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Context 2. Overview of Themes 3. Reading the Text 4. Reception and Influence 5. Notes for Further Reading Index
