Karl Marx has been portrayed in equal measure both as a political prophet who foresaw the end of capitalist exploitation, and as a populist Anti- Christ whose totalitarian legacy has cost millions of lives worldwide. This new biography looks beyond these caricatures in order to understand more about the real Karl Marx; about his everyday life and personal circumstances as well as his political ideology.
The book tells the life story of a man of ideas, showing how his political and economic thought developed alongside his life and practical work. Vincent Barnett seeks to paint Karl Marx not as a static, unwavering character, but as a man whose beliefs developed dynamically over time. The book explores his personal background, and problems of personal income and family health. It also examines the influence of HegelâEUR(TM)s methods on MarxâEUR(TM)s work, and his relationship with Engels.
This lively, up to date guide to the life of Karl Marx provides an excellent starting point for students in history, politics and philosophy, and for all those with an interest in Marxism and political ideas.

Vincent Barnett has been a research fellow on a wide variety of History, Russian Studies and Economics projects at various UK universities. His publications include A History of Russian Economic Thought (2005), The Revolutionary Russian Economy, 1890-1940 (2004) and Kondratiev and the Dynamics of Economic Development (1998).

Preface Chronology Introduction 1 Ruled by a Demon 2 Early Writings 3 The Spectre of Communism 4 Political Writings, 1848-52 5 The Whole Economic Muck 6 Outlines of a Critique of Political Economy 7 An Immense Accumulation of Research 8 Volume One of Capital 9 The Tantalizing Model of Paris 10 The Circulation of Capital 11 And Now Russia! 12 Very Late Marx Conclusion Further Reading