I know that the Communist Manifesto is always mentioned in politics, but what, if any, other literature should I read first if I want to understand Communism? I consider myself a Socialist at the moment, but can’t really get behind the statelessness of Anarchism.
Principles of Communism, Socialism: Utopian and Scientific, State and Revolution, Historical and Dialectical Materialism
Engels, Lenin and Stalin explain fundamental concepts very well. Can’t say much about Mao, I have only read the Red Book to far.
Mao is incredible, probably the best writer out of them all. Explains very difficult concepts incredibly simply and succinctly.