KARL MARX

Preface to First Edition
There has been no full-scale biography of Marx in English covering all
aspects of his life since that of Mehring, first published in the original
German in 1918. Two events have occurred since then which justify a
fresh attempt: first, there is the publication of the unexpurgated Marx-
Engels correspondence - together with numerous other letters relating
to Marx's activities; second, several of Marx's crucial writings were
published only in the 1930s and considerably alter the picture of his
intellectual contribution.
Much writing about Marx has obviously suffered from the grinding of
political axes. Clearly it is impossible to pretend to a completely 'neutral'
account of anyone's life - let alone Marx's. There is a vast amount of
information and commentary on Marx and the very process of selection
implies a certain standpoint. What I have tried to do is at least to write
sine ira et studio and present the reader with a reasonably balanced picture.
I have therefore relied considerably on quotation and write from a sympathetically
critical standpoint that avoids the extremes of hagiography
and denigration.
The book is intended for the general reader; and I have attempted to
cover fully the three main facets of Marx's life - personal, political and
intellectual. In dealing with this last aspect I have had to include some
rather difficult passages, particularly in the latter halves of chapters one
and two and the beginning of chapter six. These passages are, however,
necessary for an accurate appreciation of Marx as a thinker.
I am grateful to Dr R. D. McLellan, Dr Brian Harrison and Mr C.
N. Taylor who read parts of the manuscript and made many helpful
suggestions; my particular thanks go to Dr G. M. Thomas whose inimitable
sense of style has left its imprint on virtually every page of the book.
Remaining deficiencies are certainly not their fault.
722 Old Dover, Road,
Canterbury, Kent
December 1972
D.M.