Jenny von Westphalen

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Johanna "Jenny" von Westphalen (12 February 1814, Salzwedel – 2 December 1881, London) was the wife of Karl Marx, and the daughter of Johann Ludwig, Baron von Westphalen, a professor at Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität in Berlin.

Jenny and Karl were married in 1843 and had seven children: Jenny Caroline (m. Longuet; 1844-1883); Jenny Laura (m. Lafargue; 1845-1911); Edgar (1847-1855); Henry Edward Guy ("Guido"; 1849-1850); Jenny Eveline Frances ("Franziska"; 1851-1852); Jenny Julia Eleanor (1855-1898); and one more who died before being named (July 1857). Jenny and Karl worked together; he wrote and she edited books that would remain influential throughout the world.

Even though she came from a wealthy family, she stood by Karl’s side throughout their life in poverty. In the end of almost every month she had to mortgage her china, from her family, or her tablecloths.

[edit] References

• Tucker, R.C. (2000) Philosophy and Myth in Karl Marx. Transaction Publishers. ISBN 0-7658-0644-4.

[edit] External links

• Jenny Von Westphalen-Marx Correspondence Page at the Marxists Internet Archive.