Das Kapital by Karl Marx garners varied reviews. Positively, readers admire its comprehensive critique of capitalism, insightful economic theories, and profound impact on political thought. Negatively, some find it dense, complex, and challenging to read. Overall, it's a seminal work with significant historical influence despite its arduous content.

A reader who would enjoy Das Kapital by Karl Marx is likely interested in economics, political theory, and social justice. They may have a critical view of capitalism and enjoy analytical, in-depth studies, similar to readers of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations or Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century.

Das Kapital by Karl Marx is a thorough critique of the capitalist system, outlining its origins, mechanisms, and consequences. Marx argues that capitalism, emerging from historical changes post-serfdom, alienates workers by appropriating their labor for the capitalist's profit. He critiques how capitalists exploit workers, leading to poverty and harsh working conditions, but also suggests that worker organization could eventually transform the economic system.

Karl Marx

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Overview

Get ready to explore Das Kapital and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Das Kapital Summary

Background

Das Kapital Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Commodities and Money”, Part 1, Chapter 1: “Commodities”

Part 1 Das Kapital Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Transformation of Money into Capital”

Part 2 Das Kapital Part 2  Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Production of Absolute Surplus-Value”, Part 3, Chapter 7: “The Labour Process and the Valorization Process” - Part 3, Chapter 10: “The Working Day”

Part 3 Das Kapital Part 3  Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Transformation of Money into Capital” - Part 4, Chapter 15: “Machinery and Large-Scale Industry”

Part 4 Das Kapital Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Production of Absolute and Relative Surplus-Value” - Part 5, Chapter 17: “Changes of Magnitude in the Price of Labour-Power and in Surplus-Value”

Part 5 Das Kapital Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Wages”

Part 6 Das Kapital Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Process of Accumulation of Capital” - Part 7, Chapter 24: “The Transformation of Surplus-Value into Capital”

Part 7 Das Kapital Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “So-Called Primitive Accumulation”

Part 8 Das Kapital Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Appendix: “Results of the Immediate Process of Production”

Appendix

Das Kapital Appendix Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Das Kapital Key Figures

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Themes

Das Kapital Themes

Index of Terms

Das Kapital Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Das Kapital Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Das Kapital Essay Topics

Das Kapital

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Das Kapital?

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