This is not a book about Karl Marx. Rather, it is an investigation of the women in his life. Valérie Lefebvre-Faucher follows a labyrinth of historical letters, traces the branches on an intellectual family tree, and untangles a web of correspondence, to reveal forgotten connections and to map out the negative spaces in the literature. What emerges is not the familiar portrait of Karl alone in his frame, but a group photo of the whole Marx gang. Upturning the picture we have of the early days of modern communism, Jenny, Eleanor, and Laura, et al.calls on us to acknowledge that humans think and create together, not alone.
What People Are Saying
“Lefebvre-Faucher reminds us that writing is a communal art and that Karl Marx was surrounded by women who were far more than muses or maidservants. Poetic, compelling, and lively, this slim volume makes visible the names and faces of those at the dinner party.” Lesley Wood, professor, Department of Sociology, York University; dancefloor enthusiast
“This fascinating story reminds us of the women that patriarchal history tries to ignore and restores them to their rightful places as movement leaders, editors, and intellectuals.” Nora Loreto, freelance writer and activist
Table of Contents
Prologue
Jenny, Eleanor, and Laura, et al.: This Is Not a Book About Marx
Jenny
Laura, Jennychen, Lenchen, and the Others
Eleanor (“Tussy”)
The Family Tree
Notes
