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The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin

By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius
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Summary

How did communism become such a pervasive economic and political philosophy? Why did it first take root in early 20th-century Russia? These and other questions are part of a fascinating story whose drama has few equals in terms of sheer scale, scope, or human suffering and belief.

These 12 lectures invite you to go inside communism’s journey from a collection of political and economic theories to a revolutionary movement that rocked the world. Rich with historical insights, they zero in on the “how” and “why” of the Bolsheviks' rise to power and how communist ideas worked in theory and practice - and how they didn’t.

First, you’ll examine the utopian movements that influenced Marx and Engels, and how these leaders came to develop their revolutionary philosophies. From there, you’ll discover how Lenin became the first person to put Marxist ideas into action by violently seizing power in Russia during the chaos of the First World War. Throughout, you’ll meet thinkers and revolutionaries like Rosa Luxemburg and Leon Trotsky, unpack the meaning of texts like Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto, and experience the shock and awe of events including the Paris Commune and the October Revolution.

An uncompromising look at one of the dominant political ideologies of the 20th century, this is a fascinating, and sobering, study of how theories rise to power in a bid to create a new civilization - whatever the human cost.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC
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What listeners say about The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin

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Brilliant

Fascinating, extremely well written lectures. Focuses on the visions and many visionaries which brought about communism, instead of the crimes and tragedies which occurred later. Highly engaging and accessible. Stranger than fiction.

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Good straight forward history

Narrator was good. covered a lot of detail in a short book giving a good introduction to the rise of communism.

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Very informative

Brilliantly put together of events that explains very well about a period that shaped our time.

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Just want I wanted

This is a big subject but this was the perfect amount of time. Covered some of the basic Marxist concepts and how the bolshevik's took power. If you want to understand communism this is a great place to start.

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Great insight

Very well structured and delivered lectures with a great accompanying PDF. Engaging throughout. I enjoyed most the unbiased view on the pivotal characters within this historical study.

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Brevity is the soul of relevance

A first-class overview of the early days of Communism. It is really impossible to cram all the necessary material into such a short space of time but this series of lectures does its best to try. The lectures are well structured and presented and thoroughly engaging. Despite being well-read in this period, I found the lectures useful and entertaining. I was pleased to hear someone else spell out the myth of the 'sealed train' that carried Lenin across Germany. I can't say I agree with VGL's comment, also found in many books, that Stalin told Trotsky the wrong date of Lenin's funeral. The evidence from the telegram sent by Stalin reveals that Trotsky lied and actually was given the correct date. Don't miss Liulevivius's course on Eastern Europe. It is great and not to be missed.

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Disingenuous, ideologically motivated, ignorant.

The presentor has clear ideological motives. He repeadetly tries to mock communism by equating it with religions, showing his personal incredulity and ignoranc. Repeadetly misrepresents historic fact. All in all, extremely hard to listen for those who have at least a little prior knowledge of the topic or politics/philosophy in general. Wouldn't recommend to anyone seriously interested in communism.

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Didnt like the lecturer

Meh, not great. I still don’t understand it! FOREWORDS REQUIRED MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE

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