History and Class Consciousness

This centenary edition, enriched by a new preface from the distinguished scholar Michael Löwy, provides a contemporary context to Lukács's revolutionary ideas. It includes rigorous explorations of the definition of orthodox Marxism, the dialectics of legality and illegality, and an in-depth analysis of Rosa Luxemburg's contributions to Marxist theory. Additionally, Lukács examines the evolving function of historical Marxism and offers a critical reflection on the consciousness and political agency of the proletariat.

History and Class Consciousness has been both lauded and critiqued since its publication, its profound impact reverberating through countless Marxist debates. The work has influenced an array of notable thinkers and philosophers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including Theodor Adorno, Guy Debord, Martin Heidegger, Henri Lefebvre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Slavoj Žižek. Each of these intellectuals has engaged with Lukács’s ideas, furthering discussions on Marxism, critical theory, and philosophical praxis.

Through its exploration of totality, Lukács argues for the necessity of understanding individual phenomena within the broader, interconnected structure of society. His concept of reification examines how social relations and human activity become objectified under capitalism, leading to alienation and estrangement. Meanwhile, imputed class consciousness suggests that individuals within a class must become aware of their shared interests and collective power to achieve true political and social transformation.

The essays within History and Class Consciousness remain crucial reading for anyone seeking to understand the intellectual currents that have shaped contemporary thought. As one of the pivotal works in Marxist literature, its insights and theoretical contributions continue to provoke and inspire critical examination of society, politics, and history.