Karl Marx: A Life

Francis Wheen

W W Norton & Company Incorporated, Jul 1, 2001 - Biography & Autobiography - 431 pages

In this stunning book, the first comprehensive biography of Marx since the end of the Cold War, Francis Wheen gives us not a socialist ogre but a fascinating, ultimately humane man, while still examining the criticisms of his detractors. A study in contradictions, Karl Marx was at once a reserved scholar, a fiery agitator, and a gregarious socialite, while his intellect and ideology were once described as "Rousseau, Voltaire, and Hegel fused into one person." He lived both at the center and on the fringes of his age, and his oratory and writing continue to change the contemporary world. In his entertaining, offbeat style, Wheen offers an eminently readable biography of one of history's most unforgettable figures. "Wheen's portrait of Marx's life is artfully shaped and makes delectable reading."—New York Times "A magnificent portrait of Marx.... Bravo!"—A. N. Wilson "[E]xpertly researched, admirably objective, eminently humane, and plenty entertaining."—Boston Book Review

What people are saying

Review: Karl Marx

User Review  - Aidan Halligan - Goodreads

Wheen's biography of Marx focuses on his personal life, struggles with poor health and poverty and his relationship with his family and Engels. Although Marx's role in the first International and ...

Review: Karl Marx

User Review  - Yona - Goodreads

What i can say about Marx! A thinker that kept on thinking i do realy like to read anything that includes his name.for author, gud work

About the author

Francis Wheen is an award-winning columnist for "The Guardian" in London, & the deputy editor of "Private Eye".

Bibliographic information

• Title: Karl Marx: A Life
• Author: Francis Wheen
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: W W Norton & Company Incorporated, 2001
• ISBN: 0393321576, 9780393321579
• Length: 431 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Philosophers; Biography & Autobiography / Political; Political Science / Political Ideologies / Communism, Post-Communism & Socialism