Highly important German philosopher, political theorist, and author (1818–1883) whose Communist Manifesto (1848) and Das Kapital (published 1867–1894) provided an ideological basis for communism and thus proved to be two of the most influential texts in the history of modern civilization. Exceedingly rare and desirable ALS in German, one page both sides, 4 x 5.25, January 20, 1875. In a letter to “Dear Dentsch,” Marx writes, in full (translated): “I hope you will forgive me for always writing just a few lines. I have been overly busy. Jourde’s declaration has been met with general disapproval here among the French refugees, and Lissagarag mocked him for it in a local coffee house in the presence of many Frenchmen. He is a presumptuous, self-impressed fellow, with little to show for himself. He has taken himself to Strassburg, where he lives under Bismark’s protection. Oppenheim’s trial–thank you for all your efforts-does not surprise me. It’s what you expect from these parvenu thieves. Can you send me newspaper copies from Vienna that have detailed reports on Oppenheim’s trial? I will reimburse you, of course. I need it for my second volume.” In very good condition, with a central horizontal fold, light overall creasing and wrinkling, some mild toning, a few small edge tears, and light show-through from writing on opposite side.
Marx moved to London in May 1849, remaining in that city for the rest of his life as he continued his writing and correspondence. This fantastic letter deals, in part, with a group called the 'Communards,' members and supporters of a provisional government in France formed after the Franco-Prussian war by Marxists and anarchists. Following the war, many thousands of Communards were executed and the rest were deported or fled abroad, amongst them Francois Jourde, who, in 1874, masterminded an escape from the Ducos Peninsula along with other deportees. Their escape was well-publicized in the world's press, and the remaining deportees were subjected to harsh repercussions.
This letter also references the trial of Viktor Ofenheim, a man implicated in receiving bribes on behalf of Transylvanian Railways. His defense was that his conduct was entirely in keeping with prevailing practices, and that, if anyone was responsible, it was the government. He was acquitted in February 1875. He refers here to needing information about the trial for his “second volume”—a reference to Das Kapital. Marx correspondence such as this, with topics that include not only his followers but his famous work, are ridiculously scarce! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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