Abstract

The last years of Marx’s life have usually been viewed as a period in which, having satisfied his intellectual curiosity, he had ceased working. The analysis of some still unpublished or little known manuscripts allows us to go beyond this legend and to show that he persevered, despite his various health problems, in his research about history. Indeed during the last months of his life Marx was a careful observer of the main events in international politics. His letters furthermore manifest his strong opposition to the colonial oppression of Algeria and Egypt. This work was interrupted by a long and painful illness that forced him to wander through England, France, Switzerland and Algeria, in search of the best climate for a recovery of his health. His sole period of residence outside Europe, two months in Algiers, gave him the opportunity to formulate some precious reflections on the Arabic world and its resistance to French occupation.