Subject
Capitalism Books
Best books
Rosa Luxemburg
The Accumulation of Capital
"The Accumulation of Capital" by Rosa Luxemburg is a book published in 1913. Luxemburg challenges Marx's theories by arguing that capitalism cannot survive in isolation. She contends that the system requires constant access to non-capitalist markets to realize surplus value and continue expanding. This need drives imperialist conquest of pre-capitalist regions. Luxemburg controversially predicts that once capitalism dominates the entire globe, its internal contradictions will cause inevitable collapse. The work sparked fierce debate within the socialist movement.
Achille Loria
Karl Marx
"Karl Marx" by Achille Loria is a biographical and critical analysis written in the early 20th century. This work explores the life, thoughts, and contributions of Karl Marx, delving into his revolutionary ideas and the socio-political environment that influenced them. The book aims to provide insight into Marx's significance as a thinker and agitator against the capitalist system, highlighting the contradictions inherent in Marxist theory and its reception by subsequent generations. The beginning of "Karl Marx" introduces the reader to Marx's aristocratic background, illustrating the paradox of a revolutionary figure emerging from a conservative milieu. Born in Treves in 1818 to a distinguished family, Marx's early life is characterized by intellectual privilege and exposure to influential social circles. However, as he matures, he becomes increasingly aware of the societal injustices around him, which fuels his rebellion against established norms. The text outlines his journey from a conventional upbringing to becoming an editor focused on social issues, ultimately leading him to Paris, where he joins a community of intellectual rebels and shapes his revolutionary philosophy alongside figures like Engels and Proudhon. The opening sets the stage for a deeper examination of Marx's ideology and the historical context in which he operated.
J. A. (John Atkinson) Hobson
The Evolution of Modern Capitalism: A Study of Machine Production
"The Evolution of Modern Capitalism: A Study of Machine Production" by J. A. Hobson is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book examines the structural changes brought on by machine production and capitalism, focusing particularly on the organic evolution of industrial forces as they developed in the context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hobson intends to provide an analysis of how machinery has shaped industrial organization and its broader implications for society, economy, and labor. The opening of the work lays the groundwork by discussing the intersection of industrial science and history, emphasizing the need to study phenomena within economic frameworks while recognizing the complexities and difficulties of precise measurement in the socio-economic realm. Hobson highlights machinery as a central factor in evolving capitalism, laying out the focus of study on the effects of machine production on industry structure, competition, employment, and the role of women and towns in this transformation. The text outlines the methodology of the study, placing machine production at the forefront of inquiry and seeking to understand its implications for labor and societal changes, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of capitalism's evolution through the lens of industrial mechanics.
Samuel Vaknin
Capitalistic Musings
No description available.
Bernard Shaw
The intelligent woman's guide to socialism and capitalism
"The Intelligent Woman’s Guide to Socialism and Capitalism" by Bernard Shaw is a social and political commentary written in the late 1920s. This book explores the systems of socialism and capitalism, directing its analysis in accessible language towards an intelligent but non-expert audience, with a particular emphasis on encouraging women to form their own opinions about economic matters. Shaw addresses the evolving nature of wealth distribution and property, challenging readers to question commonly accepted systems and to consider alternatives, especially as society undergoes rapid change. At the start of the book, Shaw directly appeals to the reader (described as "dear madam"), urging her not to blindly accept prevailing doctrines or established authorities on socialism, but rather to think critically and independently about how wealth and resources should be distributed in society. He dismantles the assumption that existing social and legal systems are natural or immutable, emphasizing their historical contingency and constant evolution. The opening lays out that questions around distribution and property, once closed for generations, have now been thrust open for reconsideration amid contemporary social upheavals. Shaw then introduces the problem of "dividing-up" society's income, dismissing myths about saving and stressing that distribution is an ongoing, unavoidable process. Through this, he encourages readers to actively participate in the debate about how society's resources should be shared, as every change in law and policy affects someone’s well-being or wealth.
Henri Pirenne
The Stages in the Social History of Capitalism
"The Stages in the Social History of Capitalism" by Henri Pirenne is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of capitalism from the Middle Ages to modern times, focusing on the characteristics and origins of different classes of capitalists throughout various economic epochs. It presents an analysis of how social transformations influenced the capitalist class, suggesting that at each significant change in economic organization, a new group of capitalists emerges, discontinuous with those of the previous era. In this work, Pirenne argues that capitalism has ancient roots, existing in varying forms during the Middle Ages, particularly in urban centers like Venetian, Genoan, and Tuscan city-states. He traces the transitions from early agricultural economies to the rise of commercial practices in medieval towns, highlighting figures like St. Godric of Finchale as examples of early capitalists who accumulated wealth through trade. As economic structures evolved into more complex systems, the nature of capitalists shifted, leading to the emergence of new classes influenced by changing conditions and regulations. The book concludes that each class of capitalists starts with an innovative spirit, but ultimately becomes conservative as they seek to maintain their status amid increasing regulations and competition, reflecting the cyclical nature of economic history.
Jos. Loopuit
Karl Marx en zijne voorgangers
"Karl Marx en zijne voorgangers" by Jos. Loopuit is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work explores the evolution of socialist thought and the contributions of key thinkers leading up to Karl Marx, examining their ideas in the context of social democracy and the workers' movement. The central theme revolves around understanding socialism's roots and its implications for contemporary society. The opening of the text discusses the significance of socialism in the modern era, asserting that anyone who wishes to grasp the current social conditions must familiarize themselves with socialist theories and movements. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind workers' movements, which are often misinterpreted as the actions of a few leaders rather than a collective drive illustrated through historical shifts. The author aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and political foundations of socialism, including the essential influences on Marx's ideas, thus setting the stage for a deeper examination of socialism's evolution and its societal impact.
Teixeira Bastos
A dissolução do regimen capitalista
"A dissolução do regimen capitalista" by Teixeira Bastos is a socialist treatise written during the late 19th century. This book examines the inherent injustices and structural issues within the capitalist system, proposing a critique of its viability and the social consequences it creates, particularly for the working class. The author discusses various examples, including the struggles of workers following industrial disasters and economic crises, to argue that capitalism is in a state of dissolution, giving way to emergent socialist movements. The content of the book navigates through socio-economic challenges faced during Bastos' time, detailing how the capitalist regime leads to the impoverishment and exploitation of workers, especially in the aftermath of industrial catastrophes. He cites specific instances of worker disenfranchisement and societal decay, highlighting the contrast between the flourishing of capitalist wealth and the degradation of the working class's living conditions. Bastos outlines a vision for societal transformation via socialism, driven by the unity and activism of the working class against the injustices of capitalism. His work serves as both a critique of existing structures and a call to action for the proletariat to pursue their rights and dignities through collective organization and reform.
Recently surfaced classics