41 pages 1 hour read

Friedrich Engels

Socialism: Utopian and Scientific

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1880

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels defends Marxist socialism against Eugen Dühring’s alternative, tracing socialism's philosophical lineage through the works of Saint-Simon, Fourier, and Owen. It presents a historical materialist analysis of socioeconomic phenomena, introducing a dialectical method and envisioning a future where socialism prevails, social classes dissolve, and the state withers away.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews for Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels are largely positive, praising its lucid explanation of socialism and historical materialism. Critics laud its intellectual rigor but note its dense prose and dated language. Some find it overly ideological but acknowledge its foundational role in Marxist theory. Overall, it's considered essential yet challenging.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Socialism: Utopian and Scientific?

A reader who would enjoy Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels is likely interested in political theory, socialism, and the historical development of communist thought. Comparable works that would appeal to this audience include Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto and George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Politics / Government

Philosophy

History: European

Themes

Society: Economics

Values/Ideas: Equality

Genre

Philosophy

Classic Fiction