First published in 1848, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels remains one of the most influential political texts ever written. This revolutionary summons to the working classes outlines the fundamental principles of communism, advocating for a classless society and the overthrow of capitalist systems. Its powerful call to action, encapsulated in the famous line, 'The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains,' has resonated through history, shaping political thought and movements worldwide. This edition, part of Penguin’s Little Black Classics series, makes this seminal work accessible to a new generation of readers.

Why You Should Read?

• Understand the foundational ideas of communism and its historical impact on global politics and economics.
• Explore a concise yet powerful articulation of class struggle and the call for social revolution.
• Gain insight into the historical context of 19th-century industrial society and its critiques.
• Discover a key text that continues to provoke debate and inspire movements for social change.

About the Author

Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. His most famous works are the 1848 pamphlet The Communist Manifesto and the three-volume Das Kapital. Marx's theories about society, economics, and politics, collectively known as Marxism, hold that human societies develop through class struggle. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in human history.

Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) was a German philosopher, social scientist, journalist, and businessman. He co-authored The Communist Manifesto with Karl Marx and also supported Marx financially for many years while Marx was writing Das Kapital. Engels was a key figure in the development of communist theory and played a crucial role in editing and publishing the later volumes of Das Kapital after Marx's death.