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Capital: Volume 1

A Critique of Political Economy

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Capital: Volume 1

By: Karl Marx
Narrated by: Derek Le Page
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It can be said of very few books that the world was changed as a result of its publication - but this is certainly the case of Capital: A Critique of Political Economy by Karl Marx (1818-1883). Volume 1 appeared (in German) in 1867, and the two subsequent volumes appeared at later dates after the author's death - completed from extensive notes left by Marx himself.

Marx, famously writing in the Reading Room of the British Museum, set out to draw on theories of labour, money and economics developed by many key figures in previous centuries and then present a vivid picture of the effect of (as he saw it) the vicious exploitation of labour and the power-play and greed of that class of unprincipled businessmen - the capitalists. He starts by considering commodity, value and exchange. In doing so he looks at the basic processes involved in labour productivity and how it turns into excessive surplus value at the expense of the labourer himself. But do not think that that this is a dry analysis of the nuts and bolts of economics. Soon Marx, from extensive research, begins to outline the horrifying effect of the industrial revolution (for all its benefits) on the working man, woman and child, the blighting of their lives and slow, oh so slow, march of correcting Acts of Parliaments through the 19th century. These two threads - exploitation economics and the personal plight of the worker - continue to be developed side by side and intertwine with conclusions to become a truly powerful and emotional polemic.

Sometimes it becomes clear that his observations are hugely relevant to our 24 hour life, our gig economy and our international economy, with a frightening percentage of world wealth being held in a few hands. This is not an easy book but, especially in the hands of Derek Le Page, who has incorporated all the relevant footnotes (and they are extensive), it is a compelling listen. Whatever the nightmare of 20th century communism, to ignore this book is misjudge it. Marx said, 'Philosophers have previously tried to explain the world; our task is to change it'. And he meant it.

Translation: Samuel Moore and Edward Aveling.(P)2018 Ukemi Productions Ltd Economic History Economics Political Science Politics & Government Capitalism Socialism Money Economic Inequality Imperialism Taxation Economic disparity Soviet Union
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Capital cover art
Capital By: Karl Marx
Capital cover art
Capital By: Karl Marx
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an absolute banger of a book. First 10 chapters are pretty heavy going but it does get easier (i promise).

Derek le Page is a great reader who really helps you grasp the meaning of the book even doing the sarcastic parts with the right level of sass.

Read this book then change the world

absolutely great way to read a stone cold classic

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Narration was excellent. Marx's analysis and scathing critique of Capitalism is essential to not only read but study in depth.

Reading this book allowed me to understand the writings of Lenin and others on a deeper and more profound level.

Most important book ever written.

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It is a reminder to listeners that this is written in the olden English and is therefore strenuously long and repetitive, especially one of the chapters about value and linen. Listen to as much as you can bear and then move on to the next chapter.
All in all a very long listen, but full of quality quotes from Marx and his footnotes.
This book is not about communism, it’s about ‘class struggle’, and he explains in detail the perspective of both sides, of the proletariat and of the Bourgeoise.

Good moments, dreary in most places

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long. but worth it for a detailed insight to the industry of the UK in the 1800s

Fascinating

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Didn’t learn anything about capitals and now my boss and land lord hates me 1/5

Based

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