Routledge Handbook of Marx's Capital: A Global History of Translation, Dissemination and Reception

The international financial crisis of 2008 has renewed interest in Marx's Capital. New or republished editions of Marx's work have become available, and there are many international conferences and university courses dedicated to his work. This Handbook provides an extensive survey of the dissemination and reception of Marx's Capital throughout the world, exploring the history of the dissemination of the book in all the languages in which it was translated. It also evaluates the importance of Capital in terms of the overall understanding of Marxism and Socialism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Marx's Capital has garnered significant attention in the aftermath of the global financial crisis that unfolded in 2008. Hundreds of leading daily and weekly newspapers worldwide have delved into the contemporary relevance of its pages, sparking renewed interest in an author often mistakenly associated with the Soviet Union and prematurely dismissed after 1989. New or republished editions of Marx's work have become readily available in almost every corner of the globe. The literature surrounding Marx, which had nearly dried up twenty-five years ago, is experiencing a revival in many countries, with numerous international conferences and university courses dedicated to his most significant work, published in 1867.

This Handbook offers an extensive survey of the global dissemination and reception of Marx's Capital, presenting a more comprehensive account of the formation of Marxism than has previously been available. The editors have assembled a distinguished group of international experts on Marx's Capital. They delve into and critically reevaluate the history of the dissemination of Marx's Capital across more than 70 languages in which the book was entirely translated. Each chapter is authored by national experts, providing a concise history of Marxism's penetration in that country, tracing the different translations of Capital, exploring its reception from both a political and theoretical perspective, highlighting the most influential interpretations of Capital and their impact on the broader interpretation of Marxism, and assessing the significance of Capital in understanding Marxism and, more broadly, Socialism.

In the context of a world grappling with economic uncertainty and social unrest, Marx's ideas, liberated from the constraints of historical context, continue to resonate with individuals and societies. His analysis of capitalism's inherent contradictions and his vision of a socialist society based on collective ownership and democratic control offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing societies today. As societies grapple with the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and climate change, Marx's ideas provide a framework for analyzing and addressing these complex issues.

The revival of interest in Marx's Capital is not limited to academic circles. It has sparked a renewed interest in his broader body of work, including his writings on philosophy, politics, and history. Scholars and activists are exploring how Marx's ideas can be applied to contemporary social and political movements, such as the fight against inequality, labor rights, and environmental degradation. Marx's analysis of power structures and his critique of capitalism's exploitative nature provide a valuable lens for analyzing and challenging the dominant narratives of our time.

Furthermore, the global dissemination of Marx's Capital has had a significant impact on the development of economics and political science. His ideas have influenced the formation of various schools of thought, including Marxism, anarchism, and socialism. Marx's analysis of market dynamics and his critique of capitalism's tendency to generate surplus value have provided a foundation for understanding the workings of economic systems and the distribution of wealth. His ideas have also influenced the development of political theories, such as democratic socialism and social democracy, which seek to balance economic efficiency with social justice.

In conclusion, the global dissemination and reception of Marx's Capital have been a significant phenomenon in the history of ideas. It has sparked renewed interest in his ideas, influenced the development of economics and political science, and provided a framework for analyzing and addressing contemporary social and political challenges. As societies continue to evolve, Marx's ideas will undoubtedly continue to be relevant and influential, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138106475