41 pages • 1 hour read
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific
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Book Brief
86
Book • Nonfiction
1880s
1880
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels defends Marxist socialism against Eugen Dühring’s alternative, tracing socialism's philosophical lineage through the works of Saint-Simon, Fourier, and Owen. It presents a historical materialist analysis of socioeconomic phenomena, introducing a dialectical method and envisioning a future where socialism prevails, social classes dissolve, and the state withers away.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Reviews for Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels are largely positive, praising its lucid explanation of socialism and historical materialism. Critics laud its intellectual rigor but note its dense prose and dated language. Some find it overly ideological but acknowledge its foundational role in Marxist theory. Overall, it's considered essential yet challenging.
Who Should Read Socialism: Utopian and Scientific?
A reader who would enjoy Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels is likely interested in political theory, socialism, and the historical development of communist thought. Comparable works that would appeal to this audience include Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto and George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia.
7,759 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Karl Marx
Karl Marx
A German economist and philosopher known for his influential role in founding Marxism with Engels; contributes to the framework of Engels's critiques in the book through co-authored works and historical materialism.
Henri de Saint-Simon
Henri de Saint-Simon
A French socialist theorist and a key influence on Engels and Marx; recognized for identifying complex class struggles and praised as a precursor to modern socialism.
François Marie Charles Fourier
François Marie Charles Fourier
A French philosopher and early socialist known for critiquing societal ills and pioneering ideas like women's liberation; his work is acknowledged for its wit and insightful social commentary.
Robert Owen
Robert Owen
A Welsh manufacturer and social reformer credited as a founding utopian socialist; acknowledged for advocating worker rights and social reforms, though critiqued for impracticality in his implementation.
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
A German philosopher known for the Hegelian dialectic method; recognized by Engels for his influence on historical materialism, despite criticism for his idealism.
86
Book • Nonfiction
1880s
1880
Adult
18+ years
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