The State and Revolution (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin)

The State and Revolution by Lenin addresses one of the most difficult questions faced by Marxists, the role of the state and its relationship to the revolutionary proletariat. Lenin quotes Marx and Engels throughout to make his points clear and to defend the Marxist doctrine from the many distortions and misconceptions that it was facing at the time (but still relevant today in many ways!). Although Lenin is a very clear and purposeful writer, “The State and Revolution” is one of the more advanced texts on revolutionary thought, and one needs to be somewhat well versed in Marxism with a decent grasp of its core concepts before reading this. I would recommend however, at the very least, reading “The Communist Manifesto”, “Socialism: Utopian and Scientific”, and “Principles of Communism” BEFORE reading Lenin.

Exactly as ordered

This is a classic work and as such deserves 5 stars. The editor's introduction is very good and sets the context for the rest of the book. I do not know how well it is translated as I am not a only speak English but it reads consistent with what I know of his views. The transition of the USSR to socialism completely failed from the get-go due to the material conditions the revolution took place in. Something like 90% of the population was the peasantry while the proletariat made up a very small percentage -- what this meant is in order to succeed the proletariat, with genuine revolutionary intentions, was forced to ally with the peasantry in order to succeed. The different aims resulted in the peasantry abandoning the cause once their goals were met and the failure of any transition to socialism. We instead ended up with state capitalism and a dominant party. The biggest issue with Lenin is the concept of a vanguard party that has to awaken the unconscious masses -- to bring them socialism. This simply cannot work as a successful revolution has to come spontaneously from the proletariat and their organization has to be a direct product of their needs, not a theory put upon them by a more awakened class of elite revolutionaries. This is how the highly praised Paris Commune came to be, not from some application of existing theory. tldr go away tankies; "actually existing socialism" === "not actually socialism but has a red flag."

Lenin explains his program in great detail. A very useful reference point in this respect. However at times possibly too much detail. A bit repetitive in places. It was translated 100 years ago, so some of the expressions ate no longer in common usage.

A must-read for all leftists, no matter your tendency. You might not agree with all of Lenin's conclusions, or at least be skeptical of them like I am (I can't help but compare what he said to what he did, personally) but his arguments are so well thought out that he deserves your time and consideration regardless.

My favorite book of theory highly recommend for anyone, anyone can read this and learn something

As always with Penguin Classics, "The State and Revolution" is beautifully introduced, this time by Robert Service. It is a must have for any Marxist-Leninist as well as anyone interested in the rich history of Russia and the path Lenin saw as the way forward.

great edition, useful information