Essential Works [Paperback]

Lenin was and remains a controversial figure. An erudite Marxist scholar, he was orthodox in his interpretation of the great thinker himself -- and yet his work was arguably contrary to the spirit of Marx. Russia at the time had not developed into a fully fledged capitalist state, its economy still heavily reliant on the income brought in by the apolitical peasantry. The material foundations that would sustain socialism in the wake of the revolution had yet to be lain. Nonetheless, Lenin advocated the formation of revolutionary vanguard whose role would be to force action, to motivate the proletariat (and, in turn, the peasantry) to arms. The revolutionary vanguard would become a political elite who would "educate" the masses and oppress the minority for the benefit of the majority until class antagonisms and the very idea of the state withered away. History, however, revealed this to be a failed project, morally and practically. Whether we can hold Marx responsible for the ensuing atrocities is still a question very much open to debate.

Whatever the answer, this collection of Lenin's works clarifies much of the ambiguity and controversy surrounding Lenin. In his writings, he is revealed to be a dynamic, forceful man, one who didn't suffer fools gladly. He writes with passion, often scathing and disdainful of his Marxist rivals. The four works contained within provide a broad scope for understanding Lenin at different points in his life. In "The Development of Capitalism in Russia" (1899) we see an unpolished but intriguing work, wherein Lenin argues that Tsarist Russia is, in its own unique way, compatible with Marxian doctrine. "What Is to Be Done?" (1902), perhaps his most famous work, is a polemical pamphlet advocating the formation of the revolutionary elite, given the apathy of the Russian masses at the time -- it is where his authoritarianism becomes the focal point of his philosophy. "Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism" (1916) is expressive of Lenin's opposition to the First World War, and he catalogues the ways in which the imperialist powers seek out new markets in poorer, 'pre-capitalist' economies. And finally, "The State and Revolution" (1917), written on the eve of the October Revolution, gives a thorough, cohesive account of what the fate of the "state" will be, and how communism will develop as a result of socialism. Perhaps his most important work, "The State and Revolution" draws heavily on Marx and Engels, combining large excerpts of their writing with meticulous analysis to falsify the "opportunism" of the Social Democrats, such as Karl Kautsky. The work serves a clarifactory purpose and gives the most insight into the ideal vision of Soviet Russia.

A rich body of work, a great deal of debate to be had; these works are indeed essential in understanding Lenin, and are for this reason indispensable to the Marxist scholar or the historian. Furthermore, it's interesting in and of itself to see how opportunists such as Stalin were able to legitimately capitalise on such works.

Lenin was a dedicated revolutionary, the leader of the Bolshevik Party and a Marxist, who gained power and influence by sieging the control of Russia from the Provisional Government of Kerensky in 1917, thus creating the Soviet Union, the first so called communist state.

Lenin was not a mainstream Marxist, and thus his political ideas and contributions have formed a sub-branch ideology, called Leninism (or Marxism-Leninism). The works contained in this book express the main ideas that differentiate Lenin from the mainstream Marxism of his time, mainly, that a revolution can be achieved by a small group of "professional revolutionaries" instead of the proletariat class, and that the capitalist phase of human society theorized as necessary by Karl Marx to reach Communism, can be surpassed. The book also contains Lenin's criticism on the Socialist political parties of the time.
Every communist state that has emerged in the 20th century draws some significant influence from Lenin (rather that Marx), and subsequently, ideologies such as Trotskyism, Stalinism and Maoism, were heavenly influenced by Leninism (often claiming to be its continuation). One therefore can see that Lenin's influence to the modern world has been enormous, as Lenin's ideas have become the basis of modern communism. No matter where you stand on Lenin and Communism, read this book, and have a better understanding of an idea that has affected modern history, possibly more than any other in the last century.

If there is a single book to read by Lenin, read this one. His greatest works are included, giving a clear understanding of Leninism to the reader, and although the book can be dense, hard, and even boring at times, it is in my opinion, best to read these ideas from Lenin himself rather than from an author that may misrepresent him.
The Dover Edition, is again, simply excellent.

The book incorporates The Development of Capitalism in Russia, What is to be Done?, Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism, The State and Revolution, there is also a biographical index of people mentioned within the text and recommended further reading, there is good introduction by Henry M. Christman which hasnt aged badly.

The Development of Capitalism in Russia illustrates debates that were taking place about whether or not a revolution would be appropriate or feasible in Russia due to its lack of industrialisation, What is to be Done? is a tactical screed, Imperialism speculates that economies in crisis will resort to imperial campaigns to secure further growth and stability, while state and revolution focuses upon what Marx had to say about the Paris Commune, what the withering away of the state would entail and sets out a stall entirely opposed to all western political institutions what so ever, suggesting that socialists should only participate in politics or parliaments in order to destroy them.

It's great to see all these essays in a single volume, Lenin was essentially a second hand dealer in ideas but he sure did know how to use a turn of phrase or aphorism, like to "throw out the baby with the bath water" or the "tail wagging the dog", the introduction pulls no punches in illuminating just how much of Lenin's writing was given over to attempting to destroy people he perceived as opposition and alienating their support.

All in all it doesnt create the impression of someone who wouldnt stoop from doing whatever he deemed necessary for the sake of personal power and I personally think that there's a pretty obvious authoritarian streek through most of the writing, other than State and Revolution, which, like the essay's on the Paris Commune by Marx, are strangely libertarian.