The Communist Manifesto : A Graphic Novel

"A spectre is haunting Europe - the spectre of Communism ". Published in 1848, at a time of political upheaval in Europe, Karl Marx and Frederik Engels' MANIFESTO FOR THE COMMUNIST PARTY was at once a powerful critique of capitalism and a radical call to arms. It remains the most incisive introduction to the ideas of Communism and the most lucid explanation of its aims. Much of what Marx and Engels' proposed - a state education system, a progressive income tax, the nationalisation of banks - would continue to be at the heart of political debate into the 21st century. It is no surprise, perhaps, that THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO (as it was later renamed) is the second best-selling book of all time, surpassed only by THE BIBLE. THE GUARDIAN'S editorial cartoonist Martin Rowson employs his trademark draughtsmanship and wit to this lively graphic novel adaptation of Marx and Engels' revolutionary pamphlet. Published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth, at a time of deep mistrust in The Establishment, THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO is both a timely reminder of the politics of hope and a thought-provoking guide to the most influential work of political theory ever published. ". . . a jauntily irreverent but fundamentally serious take on a vastly influential political work." Publishers Weekly "The Manifesto's always been a rather easy read and Rowson's adaptation makes it even more accessible, but the graphic novel also serves as an all-too-timely reminder of just what kind of world we're living in today.", Gizmodo "An excellent overview of Marxism, a brilliant critique of capitalism, and a fine example of political cartooning that will be of interest to high school and university audiences. Highly recommended.", Library Journal online "As a literary work, the illustrations do justice to the marvelously compressed, yet sweeping, literary quality of Marx's verbal imagery. . .", Boing Boing