The Communist Manifesto

Penguin Classics

By: Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx

Narrated by: Arinze Kene

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Arinzé Kene, writer and performer of Olivier Award nominated Misty, and also known for his roles in Youngers, Informer and Eastenders. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Gareth Stedman Jones.

The Communist Manifesto (1848), Marx and Engels's revolutionary summons to the working classes, is one of the most important and influential political theories ever formulated. After four years of collaboration the authors produced this incisive account of their idea of Communism, in which they envisage a society without classes, private property or a state. They argue that increasing exploitation of industrial workers will eventually lead to a revolution in which Capitalism is overthrown. This vision provided the theoretical basis of political systems in Russia, China, Cuba and Eastern Europe, affecting the lives of millions. The Communist Manifesto still remains a landmark text: a work that continues to influence and provoke debate on capitalism and class.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio

introduction is excellent

The very thorough introduction makes up the bulk of this audiobook and consequently the actual Manifesto is better than it would have been on it's own. It gave a very good synopsis and historical context of the people involved and their perspectives of the times that they lived in. Future rebellions may not be Marxist per se, but they will borrow heavily from his ideas. Lots of good stuff in there, but must be viewed through the lens of how dangerous "Good intentions" can be in the hands of the insane. 5/5

Workers unite!

Great intro with so much information I’m looking forward to relistening. Some sound issues but overall a great read

Extra Fluff at Start

Thr manifesto itself is fantastic. It's timeless and still very much relates to the dilemma between social democrats, liberals, "far left" today . Only problem was the opening pieces by other writers that tried to analyze and tell you the context of the manifesto. while also imposing meaning of thier own. I just wanted the manifesto, not someone else's opinion prior to reading.

Everyone should understand

Poor sound quality so it was difficult to hear. The Manifesto is a key document for each of us to read and understand in the formation and continued discussion of equality and roles of citizens. Whether a person agrees or not it ranks with wealth of nations in the formation of modern economy

There are some thought provoking ideas

Generally, I get behind the idea but I don't necessarily agree with the implementation and some of the details.

I liked the analysis but the narrator was a bit too monotonous for me.

Bad Introduction, Great Content

If you have no previous knowledge of Marx, scientific socialism, and historical materialism, I recommend skipping the introduction for now, as it will only lead to an anti-Marx bias. It tries to revise history, claiming Marx was creating a new religion, and softens the impact of his ideas. The actual content of the Manifesto is highly relevant and applicable today. Listen with an open mind, seeing Marx and Engels ideas for themselves. The introduction can be saved for later when you become interested in the intellectual development and historical context Marx and Engels found themselves in.

Good context

I enjoyed this particular version since it gives so much preamble - the bulk of this book is just preface explaining the context around which the manifesto was written, which certainly gives more weight to the work itself. Performance is good, and would recommend. I gave the story one star only because, well, there’s not really a story.

Very Informative

I learned quite a bit from this book, It really helps the reader gain perspective. The book lifts the lenses of uneducated, generalized biases we all have about socialism and communism in the modern west.

20% Communist Manifesto/80% Backstory.

If you want to know the historical and cultural backstory that led up to the Communist Manifesto, this is the audiobook for you.

Eye opening.

Eye opening, was a must read for me with all the current world affairs.