Karl Marx

[Amusing Scrotum]

Karl Marx by Francis Wheen (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1841151149/qid=1137107426/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/203-3453108-1299915) is (in my humble opinion) a tremendous biography of Marx the man. Wheen says that he wanted to provide a biography of Marx "warts (or in this case carbuncles) and all." And in this book, he does

The book looks at both Marx's personal development (often overlooked) and his political development, and despite Wheen not being a Marxist, he offers a somewhat ruthless defence of everything Marx wrote, from Capital to On the Jewish Question.

I would really recommend this book to anyone hoping to learn more about Marx and his political activities. Particularly good was Wheen's account of the events of the First International and their effects, which he describes as "nonsense". A view I mostly agree with.

In short, if you haven't already read this book, I suggest you do.

[YKTMX]

Wheen is a destestable member of the liberal "pro-war left", but I agree, this is a tremendous biography.

As you said, even though Wheen is a soft liberal, his political defence of Marx is quite effective - particuarly in relation to his controversies with the oaf Bakunin.

[The Feral Underclass]

I also think it's a rather fun account of Marx. In the back of my copy of the bioigraphy there are the results of a parlour game played with Marx (who knows where he got it from) that asks, "What is your favourite virture in a woman" and he replies: Weakness"

[Ian]

Is this the book that talks about Marx having liverspots on his penis?

My favourite Marx biography is by Isiah Berlin

[Amusing Scrotum]

Originally posted by YouKnowTheyMurderedX+Jan 14 2006, 07:28 PM--> (YouKnowTheyMurderedX @ Jan 14 2006, 07:28 PM) Wheen is a destestable member of the liberal "pro-war left" [/b]

I never knew he was a "Hitchens type". All I've found by him on the internet are defences of Marx and rants at religion and a few other things.


Originally posted by YouKnowTheyMurderedX+--> (YouKnowTheyMurderedX)his political defence of Marx is quite effective[/b]

Bar some of his defences of Capital. On this he seems confused, is it a economic piece of value? ....or is it a Victorian novel? ....Wheen doesn't really decide.


The Anarchist [email protected]
I also think it's a rather fun account of Marx.

Particularly the stories about "duelling". :lol:


The Anarchist Tension
In the back of my copy of the bioigraphy there are the results of a parlour game played with Marx (who knows where he got it from) that asks, "What is your favourite virture in a woman" and he replies: Weakness"

Same with mine. There's also a copy of a Chess game. :huh:

[Ian]

Hmm I think its a bit unlikely that those are legit

[Amusing Scrotum]

Originally posted by [email protected] 18 2006, 05:28 AM
Hmm I think its a bit unlikely that those are legit

You mean the record of the Chess game and the Parlour game? ....well I'm pretty sure they're "legit" and anyway, they don't really matter.

[encephalon]

they are legit, as far as I'm aware. I can't remember why the chess game was recorded, but the parlour game was kept by one of his daughters (remember, it wasn't too long after his death before people started getting interested).

I actually memorized the chess opening in the book, and use it frequently. It isn't the best, though.. a semi-experienced player can break through it pretty well.

The book, I think, is one of the best I'm aware of. I especially enjoy his drunken brawls as well. He may not have been born proletarian, but he sure as hell could enjoy drunken antics like one.