The Living Flame

A collection of essays illuminating the historic Polish philosopher, economist, and activist’s tremendous contributions to revolutionary struggle.

Rosa Luxemburg, brilliant early twentieth century German revolutionary, comes alive in a rich set of essays on her life, ideas, and lasting influence. The essays deal not only with her remarkable contributions to political, social and economic theory, but also touch on her vibrant personality and intimate friendships. This collection, the fruit of more than four decades of involvement with Luxemburg's work, simultaneously showcases her penetratingly intellectual, political and deeply humanistic qualities.

“An indispensable contribution to our understanding of Rosa Luxemburg, who emerges as formidable theorist, principled activist, and above all, a fully realized human being . . . . The Living Flame affirms Luxemburg’s lasting contribution and underscores the relevance of her legacy for our own, very different, age.” —Helen Scott, author, The Storm of History: Shakespeare’s Tempest and Capitalism

“A profound and multidimensional investigation of a giant thinker and revolutionary. These [essays] show meticulous historical and theoretical attentiveness and at the same time are hugely timely; a significant contribution to Rosa Luxemburg studies and Marxist theory and history.” —Dana Mills, author, Rosa Luxemburg: Critical Lives

“Uncommonly nuanced, probing, and also deeply principled explorations. [Le Blanc’s] mode of engagement nicely compliments that of Rosa Luxemburg and shows us her thoughts as a living and breathing work in progress, not merely echoes from an increasingly distant past. In addition, Le Blanc models how Marxists and Leftists in general might want to relate to one another when we debate complex issues and at times disagree.” —Axel Fair-Schulz, associate professor at SUNY Potsdam