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The Blanqui Reader: A Critical Edition by Brink Lindsey

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Louis-Auguste Blanqui (1805-1881) was one of the most important figures in the history of socialism and revolutionary thought. A lifelong revolutionary, Blanqui participated in almost every major uprising in France from the July Monarchy to the Paris Commune. His writings, which span nearly five decades of political activity, offer a unique perspective on the development of socialism and the revolutionary movements of the 19th century.

The Blanqui Reader

by Brink Lindsey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4577 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

The Blanqui Reader is the first comprehensive collection of Blanqui's writings in English. Edited by Brink Lindsey, this critical edition includes over 100 texts, many of which have never been translated into English before. The texts are arranged chronologically, and each is accompanied by extensive annotations and introductory essays that situate Blanqui's work in its historical and intellectual context.

The Blanqui Reader is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of socialism, revolutionary thought, or 19th-century France. Blanqui's writings are a valuable source of insights into the development of these movements, and this critical edition makes them accessible to a wider audience than ever before.

The Life and Work of Louis-Auguste Blanqui

Louis-Auguste Blanqui was born in Puget-Théniers, France, in 1805. His father was a wealthy landowner and his mother was a devout Catholic. Blanqui received a privileged education, but he soon became disillusioned with the social and political order of his time. In 1824, he joined the Carbonari, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing the monarchy. In 1830, he participated in the July Revolution, which overthrew King Charles X and established a constitutional monarchy. However, Blanqui was disappointed by the new regime, which he believed did not go far enough in meeting the demands of the people.

In 1839, Blanqui founded the Society of Seasons, a revolutionary organization that sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic. The Society of Seasons was involved in a number of uprisings, but it was ultimately unsuccessful. In 1848, Blanqui was arrested and sentenced to death for his role in the June Days uprising. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Blanqui spent the next 18 years in prison, where he continued to write and plot revolution.

In 1865, Blanqui was released from prison and returned to Paris. He immediately became involved in the revolutionary movement again. In 1870, he was elected to the National Assembly and played a leading role in the Paris Commune. The Commune was a short-lived revolutionary government that controlled Paris for two months in 1871. Blanqui was arrested after the Commune was defeated and sentenced to death again. However, his sentence was once again commuted to life imprisonment. Blanqui spent the rest of his life in prison, where he continued to write and plot revolution.

Blanqui died in prison in 1881. He was 76 years old. He is buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Blanqui's Political Thought

Blanqui was a lifelong revolutionary. He believed that the only way to achieve a just and egalitarian society was through revolution. He was also a strong advocate for the dictatorship of the proletariat. He believed that after a revolution, the workers should establish a dictatorship in order to suppress the counter-revolution and build a new socialist society.

Blanqui's political thought was influenced by a number of different sources, including the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, François-Noël Babeuf, and Auguste Comte. He was also influenced by the events of the French Revolution. Blanqui's own experiences as a revolutionary also shaped his political thought. He believed that revolution was a necessary evil, but he also recognized the dangers of violence and terror.

Blanqui's political thought has been criticized by some for being too utopian and for advocating violence. However, there is no doubt that he was a major figure in the history of socialism and revolutionary thought. His writings continue to be studied and debated today.