A Guide to Marx's 'Capital'

by Anthony Brewer

For anyone wishing to understand the modern world, Marx's Capital is indispensable. It is also, unfortunately, a difficult book to read. Some of these difficulties are inevitable since the ideas are unfamiliar and complex, but it seems more forbidding than it really is and the reader who persists will find it worth the effort. The Guide is intended to be read in conjunction with Capital (though it can be read on its own). It goes through Marx's masterpiece, chapter by chapter, setting each in the context of the whole and picking out the main threads of the argument. Each of Marx's technical terms if explained when it is first used and is also defined in the glossary for easy reference. The introduction outlines the development of Marx's thought and relates it to the philosophical, political and economic ideas of his time. The Guide does not take sides for Marx or against him. Its aim is to contribute to a better understanding of his work.

Genres: Economics, Politics

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1984

Reviews

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

No fancy long-form review is required, I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is to my knowledge the only chapter by chapter summary and commentary of all three volumes of Capital in English. If you want help reading Capital, or don't have the time to read Capital in full yet - get yourself a copy of this book!

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Fine's guide is superior (in terms of presentation), this guide from Brewer is more complete and almost definitive (only being bested by Harvey's 'Companion...').

Also, this is the first of all the introductions to marxism that I've read that takes its time in developing Smith's and Ricardo's classic economic theories (big props for that).

All things considered, the appendix at the end are unnecesary.