The origin of the family, private property and the state

The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State is an 1884 nonfiction work by Friedrich Engels. It is an anthropological and historical treatise, built in part on Lewis H. Morgan’s research and on notes by Karl Marx on Morgan’s Ancient Society. The book looks at how family structure, private property, and the state are connected, and it does so through a historical materialist lens rather than through narrative. It is a book of ideas and argument, not a story-driven read.

This book suits readers interested in social theory, anthropology, sociology, and the history of political thought. It is demanding in places, but it is also a clear example of Engels trying to explain how major social institutions develop together. If you are looking for early Marxist writing that focuses on family economics and the relationship between private property and political power, this is a strong place to start. It will also appeal to readers who like analytical nonfiction that connects broad social change with long-term historical development.