Capital: A Critical Analysis of Capitalist Production
London: Swan Sonnenschein, Lowrey, & Co., 1887.
First British and first English-language edition of this world-changing Socialist text. xxxi, [1], 363; [ii], 365-816 pp. with appendix at rear of second volume, most pages unopened. Bound by the Dragonfly Bindery in quarter calf with layered stain over marbled boards, morocco title labels and gilt tooling to spines, laid endpapers.
Near Fine with scuffing to fore edge of Volume II textblock, repaired tear and thumbing to Volume I prelims, and moderate toning to contents. Housed in a custom double-volume clamshell case, quarter chestnut morocco over marbled boards. A lovely copy of this groundbreaking work.
Das Kapital was already called "the Bible of the working classes" by the time it was published in England in 1887, four years after the author's death. The text is taken from the third German edition of the first volume, the only one written by Karl Marx. The additional volumes written by Engels from his friend's notes were not translated into English until the 20th century. Upon the appearance of these two volumes in 1887, the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw wrote of Marx:
"It is impossible to be sure that further historical research will confirm his interpretation of the past, or experience verify his anticipations; but whilst capitalism lasts he will still make his mark upon his readers, and, through them, on the world."
Price: $50,000