The deep crisis of capitalism, wars, threats, and destruction of our time, from climate change to mass migration and the rise of fascism, persistently bring Marx back to the center of current discourse. Capital and his other major economic works are widely discussed, and their value is universally recognized. Their profound analyses of the laws of capitalism provide valuable tools not only for understanding but also for changing the world.

This collection includes some of Marx's most important texts on capitalism. They address exploitation and crises, unemployment, the banking system, profit and social reproduction, the stages and contradictions of capitalism, as well as the scientific method and the fetishisms of capital. Taken together, they help the reader get acquainted with the main line of his thought. They establish Marx's steadfast commitment to socialist revolution.

In his introductory essay, Christos Kefalidis discusses the main aspects of Marx's analysis of capitalism in light of subsequent developments and scientific advancements in various fields. He reframes the criticisms that his views received and demonstrates their confirmation by historical experience.

"When we left Marx, deeply impressed by the great personality we had encountered, Hirsch asked me what I thought of him. 'Well,' I replied, 'I think he is the Aristotle of the 19th century.' And yet, as soon as I said it, I knew that this did not cover the whole subject. Marx combined in his person the righteous anger of the great prophets of his tribe with the cold analytical ability of Spinoza and the Jewish sages. It was a rare combination of abilities, such as I have not encountered in any other person. Precisely Marx's deep hostility towards the existing order prevented many from the educated wealthy class from appreciating in full meaning his great work. Marx's terrible assaults with naked sword against his opponents seem so rude to our genteel gentlemanly duellists and to the adolescent-minded men to believe that this relentless warrior and fierce enemy of capital was the deepest thinker of modern times."

Henry Hyndman