Of all the figures in Communist history, Engels is perhaps the least defined in most people’s minds. Journalist, mill-owner and capitalist, his story has tended to be overshadowed by that of his more famous collaborator Karl Marx and by other apparently more charismatic figures.

But for Tristram Hunt this was part of the challenge behind the writing of his recent highly-acclaimed biography of Engels, The Frock-coated Communist. ‘It was a combination of bringing him to life as a man - as an extraordinarily interesting and passionate man - but then also understanding the significance of his ideas beyond the Leninist shadow and the peculiar relevance of his contribution to Marxism.’

In this podcast interview Tristram Hunt – historian, researcher and broadcaster -  talks to the AHRC about Engels, his contribution to the history of Marxism and, at a time of recession and in a post-Communist era of globalization, what he has to say us in the twenty-first century. 

You can read more about Tristram Hunt’s research in the latest issue of the AHRC’s magazine PODIUM, which is due out in October.

Running time: 12 Minutes. File size 12mb.

If you would like a transcript of this podcast please email communications@ahrc.ac.uk