• ISBN13: 9788124806883
• Binding: Paperback
• Subject: Sociology and Anthropology
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Peacock Books
• Publication Date: October 31, 2025
• Pages: 106
• Original Price: INR 195.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 100 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): Political Ideologies / Communism, Post-Communism & Socialism, Political Ideologies / General, and Sociology / General

"It is the Darwinian struggle of the individual for existence transferred from Nature to society with intensified violence."

Socialism: Utopian and Scientific by Friedrich Engels is a critical work that distinguishes between two forms of socialism: utopian and scientific. Written in 1880, Engels critiques the idealistic, often impractical visions of social reform proposed by earlier socialist thinkers, contrasting them with a materialist, class-based approach to social change. Drawing on the works of Karl Marx, Engels argues that socialism is not a product of abstract ideals but a scientific necessity arising from the contradictions inherent in capitalist society. Through a historical materialist lens, the book explores the development of social systems and the inevitability of the working class overthrowing capitalism. Socialism: Utopian and Scientific serves as a foundational text in Marxist theory, offering a rigorous defence of scientific socialism and providing a roadmap for revolutionary change. It remains a key work in understanding the evolution of socialist thought and the dynamics of class struggle.

Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) was a German philosopher, social theorist and influential political figure. Born into an industrialist family, Engels experienced both the privileges of wealth and the stark realities of the working class, which shaped his lifelong commitment to social change. He worked closely with Karl Marx, co-developing the theory of scientific socialism and contributing to the intellectual foundation of modern socialist thought. Engels’ writings explored the complexities of class struggle, the impact of capitalism, and the possibilities for social revolution. A staunch advocate for the rights of workers, he was not only an intellectual but also an active participant in the political movements of his time. Engels’ works continue to resonate as a critical voice in the pursuit of social justice, his legacy inspiring generations to strive for a more equitable society.

Noteworthy works by Friedrich Engels:

• The Holy Family (1844)
• The Condition of the Working Class in England (1845)
• The Communist Manifesto (1848)
• The Peasant War in Germany (1850)
• Dialectics of Nature (1883)
• The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State (1884)

• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . vii
• Socialism: Utopian and Scientific
• I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
• III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
• Appendix
• The Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
• Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68