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andreaschari's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
thesinginglights's review
4.0
This is a very good look into a very significant and controversial figure, written with some sharp prose and dry wit. As a biography, in terms of how it discusses its subject, it succeeds in painting a complex image of an often misunderstood man. While it's showing Marx's more favourable aspects than some other critics, I really appreciate Wheen's commitment to painting a full picture: he never shies from some of Marx's great vices which range from darkly funny to outright awful at points.
I should point out that this is not a book for a beginner on Marx readers. There are a lot of assumptions on behalf of the reader's knowledge of Marx's works. I suppose that might be natural, though (the ones who would be reading this would have some insight into his work). My major gripe is that Wheen did not translate the German titles, for the most part. Some simple brackets of what they meant would be good, especially when he directly references them. Another thing is Wheen's willingness to move about in time with the facts of his life, often introducing figures and then moving back and forth in time. I did find that a little jarring, though am ready to admit that it might be the fault of the reader not paying close enough attention.
I should point out that this is not a book for a beginner on Marx readers. There are a lot of assumptions on behalf of the reader's knowledge of Marx's works. I suppose that might be natural, though (the ones who would be reading this would have some insight into his work). My major gripe is that Wheen did not translate the German titles, for the most part. Some simple brackets of what they meant would be good, especially when he directly references them. Another thing is Wheen's willingness to move about in time with the facts of his life, often introducing figures and then moving back and forth in time. I did find that a little jarring, though am ready to admit that it might be the fault of the reader not paying close enough attention.
traveller1's review
5.0
An entertaining and well-written life of a great historical figure. One wants to walk up to Karl and tell him to stop smoking, eat better, and get some exercise. The bio lists Marx's personal faults, his procrastination, his obsession with minor complaints, his begging for money, but Marx still comes across as a good man and a fine father. Recommended read.
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