Friedrich Engels, born Friedrich Christian Karl Engels on November 28, 1820, in Barmen, Prussia (now part of Germany), was a pivotal figure in the development of socialist theory and a co-founder of Marxism. His life journey intertwined profoundly with the social and political upheavals of the 19th century, leading him to become a prominent philosopher, social scientist, and political theorist. Engels passed away on August 5, 1895, in London, England, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence political thought and social movements worldwide.

Engels grew up in a middle-class family, with his father being a textile manufacturer. His early exposure to the harsh realities of industrial life, particularly during his childhood in a rapidly industrializing Germany, shaped his views on capitalism and class struggle. After completing his education, Engels worked in the family business and later moved to Manchester, England, where he witnessed the dire conditions of the working class firsthand. This experience would profoundly inform his later writings.

Engels’ literary career began in earnest when he collaborated with Karl Marx, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership in both personal and professional endeavors. His most notable works include "The Condition of the Working Class in England" (1845), which provided a detailed analysis of the lives of industrial laborers, and "The Communist Manifesto" (1848), co-authored with Marx. This seminal text outlined the principles of communism and called for the proletariat to rise against the bourgeoisie. Engels also wrote "Socialism: Utopian and Scientific" (1880), which distinguished his vision of socialism from earlier utopian models.

In his personal life, Engels was known for his close relationship with Marx, and he played a crucial role in supporting Marx financially and intellectually throughout their collaboration. He was also involved with several women, including Mary Burns and Lizzie Burns, both of whom influenced his views on women's rights and social issues. Engels’ legacy endures not only through his writings but also through the continued relevance of his ideas in contemporary social and political discourse.