European Communism: 1848-1991 (European History in Perspective)

Communism has had a profound impact on Europe from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. In theory, it promised equality and freedom for all. In practice, it spawned inegalitarian, authoritarian and, in some instances, monstrous regimes in East Europe. Ronald Kowalski re-examines the history of European Communism, from its theoretical origins in the work of Marx and Engels until the collapse of the Soviet Union, and explains why it failed to come to power in West Europe.