Review: Eleanor Marx: A Life by Rachel Holmes
A guest post by London Historians Member, Jane Young.
The first biography of Eleanor Marx (1855 – 1898) to be written in almost four decades, the 1972 -1976 two volume biography from Yvonne Knapp is a tough act to follow and Rachel Holmes has managed it with a flourish.
Significantly more intricate than a singular rendition of the life of one person, this substantial volume is an adeptly researched piece of social history. Covering poverty in the mid nineteenth century, the plight of European immigrants, infant mortality, working class politics, bohemian society
Charting the progress of Eleanor Marx from right back to before her parents Jenny and Karl had even met; you are invited into the various and numerous homes of the Marx household. There you meet a ramshackle extended family in all its minutiae detail becoming familiar with everything from the…
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First Night History 
Entered my comment on the original, as previously unable to add a comment here.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A compelling window into the life of one of Marx’s family. As a former ardent Marxist (perhaps still…) I will look forward to reading about her life and times.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A compelling window into the life of one of Marx’s family. As a formerly ardent (perhaps still…) Marxist, I will look forward to reading about her life and times. Thanks for re-blogging it Sarah.
Best wishes, Pete.
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