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The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engels examines the development of social structures, focusing on how the concepts of family, property, and government have evolved throughout history. Engels analyses the impact of economic factors on societal changes, drawing from Marxist theories to argue that these institutions are inevitably shaped by material conditions. The book critiques the historical progression and its implications for contemporary society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're intrigued by the intersection of politics, economics, and social history, you might enjoy this foundational examination of the evolution of familial and societal structures. It offers a critical analysis of how private property and state governance have shaped human relationships and societal development through a Marxist lens. This book may appeal to those interested in understanding the historical context of family and property from a socio-economic perspective.

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A critique of the Victorian nuclear family. It argues that the traditional monogamous household was in fact a recent construct, closely bound up with capitalist societies.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Penguin Classics brings this seminal work by Engels back into print, with a new introduction by historian Tristram Hunt.

The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State (1884) was a provocative and profoundly influential critique of the Victorian nuclear family. Engels argued that the traditional monogamous household was, in fact, a recent construct, closely bound up with capitalist societies. Under this patriarchal system, women were servants and, effectively, prostitutes.

Only Communism would herald the dawn of communal living and a new sexual freedom and, in turn, the role of the state would become superfluous.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engels examines the historical development of family structures, property relations, and state formations. Reviewers often praise the book for its insightful analysis based on historical and anthropological perspectives, noting Engels' critical approach toward societal evolution. It is commended for offering a Marxist interpretation of cultural transformations, though some critiques highlight its reliance on 19th-century anthropology, which may lack support from contemporary evidence.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141191119

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 April 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 184g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Friedrich Engels was born in 1820. In 1842 Engels went to Manchester to represent the family firm. Relationships there inspired the famous The Condition of the Working Class in England in 1844. Collaboration with Marx began in 1844 and in 1847 he composed the first drafts of the Manifesto. After Marx's death, he prepared the unfinished volumes of Capital for publication. He died in 1895. Dr Tristram Hunt is one of Britain's best known young historians. Educated at Cambridge and Chicago Universities, he is lecturer in British history at Queen Mary, University of London and author of several books. A leading historical broadcaster, he has authored numerous series for the BBC and Channel 4. A regular contributor to The Times, The Guardian and The Observer, he is a Trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

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