The Rise of Communism: From Marx to Lenin

By: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius

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

Loved it

fascinating, I ended up wanting more! I will check out other similar courses and books.

oh, so short!

these end unexpectedly with death of Lenin. I was disappointed, there's so much more to say!

Good work. Worth the time.

Interesting and informative. The jumps in time line might necessitate re-listening and/or lecture reading, but overall organized and engaging.

this was awesome

i love this instructor. he is very insightful. speaks several languages and has eastern European ancestry. i look forward to viewing all of Mr. Liulevicius presentations.

Excellent

good account of the years from Marx up Lenin.
I can not say if the author is a sympathiser or an antagonist of their ideas and that is a prise to his balance.
for my part I can only say this: Marx, Lenin, Luxembourg, were just some nutcases.
they were very clever in a way, able to understand complex theoretical ideas but very stupid with regaard to simple practical facts. they understood nothing of human nature. they thought they knew society well enough to re-build it from scratch. they thought that when reality does not follow theory, reality is wrong. they were arrogant. to the point that thay thought they could take someone's life because they dared to oppose their ideas.
and yes, as suggested at various points in the audiobook, communism is just another religion. there is no science, no theoretical truth. just irrationality and emotiviity.