State and Revolution

Shortly before the Soviet revolution of 1917, Lenin wrote State and Revolution. Drawing on detailed quotes from Karl Marx and Friedrick Engels, he lays down a Marxist view of the state, describes how a working-class revolution will overthrow it, and goes further in showing how social democracy is not enough - even in democratic republics such as those enjoyed by many western countries today, the ruling class is still in control of society, and will never relinquish power. According to Lenin, a Communist revolution is the only remedy for class struggle.