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 no...

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.