Rev Left Radio [BEST OF] A Spectre, Haunting: On The Communist Manifesto
May 15, 2025
In this conversation, writer and literary critic China Miéville shares insights from his book, exploring the literary power and historical significance of the Communist Manifesto. He examines the gothic imagery used by Marx and Engels and its role in framing political discourse. The discussion highlights the manifesto's contemporary relevance and critiques outdated cultural stereotypes of class identity. Miéville advocates for ethical considerations in political action and encourages readers to engage critically with the text for a hopeful vision of the future.
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Early Encounters with The Manifesto
- China Miéville first encountered the manifesto in his late teens as he moved left politically.
- Breht felt deeply inspired and confused reading it as a working-class teenager, stirred by its partisan focus on workers.
Manifesto's Unapologetic Swagger
- The manifesto's unapologetic and confident style stands out, especially in reactionary times.
- Its bold and almost provocative tone, like openly wanting to abolish property, is hypnotic and powerful.
Manifesto’s Poetic Form Revealed
- The manifesto blends political argument with poetic urgency in its unique form.
- Its poetic style alters the content, making statements like "working class has no country" aspirational and warning rather than just factual.