Theory & Struggle

Abstract

Following the bicentenary of Marx’s birth and in the context of renewed interest in Marxism in the contemporary world, this article traces the history of the Marx-Engels archives – the philosophers’ original documents, records and manuscripts – through the twentieth century. It examines the roles of various states, political parties and Marxist heritage organisations in collecting, protecting, promoting and, at times, threatening this documentary legacy. Finally, it seeks to underline how such archives can be mobilised as educational tools today.