41 pages • 1 hour read
Friedrich EngelsSocialism: Utopian and Scientific
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1880A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.