The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration - Book reviews of The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration

'The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration' book reviews

Review for'The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration'

Paul Kengor's "The Devil and Karl Marx: Communism's Long March of Death, Deception, and Infiltration" is an illuminating and provocative examination of the darker aspects of Marxism and its historical manifestations. Kengor, a political science professor and seasoned author with a penchant for conservative thought, delves into the life, writings, and enduring influence of Karl Marx, juxtaposing the theoretical foundations of Marxism with its real-world applications and consequences.

The book is divided into several sections, each meticulously researched and detailed. Kengor begins by exploring Marx's personal life, including his often-overlooked proclivity for dark themes and nihilistic tendencies. The author paints a portrait of Marx that challenges the sanitized versions often found in academic circles. He presents Marx not just as a revolutionary thinker but as an individual whose personal demons may have influenced his revolutionary zeal. This biographical sketch serves as a foundation for the book's broader thesis: that Marxism, in both theory and practice, has been a vehicle for destruction and deception.

Kengor's narrative then shifts to an in-depth analysis of the implementation of Marxist ideas in various historical contexts. From the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia to the rise of Maoism in China, the author examines how Marxist ideologies have invariably led to totalitarian regimes, mass atrocities, and widespread suffering. Kengor is unflinching in his assessment, providing a litany of statistics, firsthand accounts, and historical documents to back his claims. He argues that the death toll attributable to Marxist regimes is not an unfortunate byproduct but a direct consequence of the ideology's inherent flaws.

One of the book's most compelling sections is its exploration of the infiltration of Marxist ideas into Western institutions. Kengor traces the intellectual and cultural influence of Marxism from the Frankfurt School to modern academia and popular culture. He contends that Marxist principles have subtly permeated various facets of Western society, often under the guise of social justice and progressive thought. This infiltration, according to Kengor, poses a significant threat to the values of individual liberty and democratic governance.

Critics might argue that Kengor's approach is overly polemical, bordering on the alarmist. However, the author anticipates such critiques and addresses them head-on. He acknowledges that not all proponents of Marxism are malevolent but insists that the ideology's historical track record speaks for itself. Kengor's writing is passionate and engaging, making complex historical and philosophical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

"The Devil and Karl Marx" is not without its flaws. At times, Kengor's narrative can seem one-sided, focusing predominantly on the negative aspects of Marxist theory and practice. However, this is somewhat mitigated by the book's extensive citations and reliance on primary sources, which lend credibility to his arguments.

In conclusion, Paul Kengor's "The Devil and Karl Marx" is a thought-provoking and rigorously researched critique of Marxism. It serves as both a historical account and a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the potential dangers of ideological extremism. Whether one agrees with Kengor's conclusions or not, the book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex legacy of Karl Marx and the enduring influence of his ideas.

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