A Companion to Marx's Capital

Makes it’s easier to digest, with many different perspectives of Karl’s work explored within. Explains clearly and with humour which makes it an enjoyable read.

Capital vol. I is an intimidating book, with many hundreds of pages and thousands of footnotes. In fact, even the footnotes have footnotes... Needless to say, any help in keeping sight of the bigger picture is welcome. This book does just that. It's clearly written and cuts right to the heart of what Marx was trying to say. Harvey's explanation of the "dialectic" structure of the book is alone enough to make this book worth buying.Understand, however, that this is not a critique of Capital, and nor does it claim to be. I'm certainly not a fan of Marxism, but if you want insight into how Marxists themselves understand Marx, this is the book for you.Alternatively, you can follow Harvey's lectures on his website for free. The book follows the structure (and indeed often the wording) of these lectures.

I'm in the midst of reading Marx's Capital. (All right, I just retired and now I can spend my time however I please.) I have found several works which help clarify the concepts of Marx's rather complex opus. I consider this one (with its companion volume, which covers volumes II and III of Capital) to be indispensable. It provides an excellent section-by-section summary and analysis of Marx's (very complex) argument and does not hesitate to point out places issues where Marx has fallen short. It also makes some useful applications of the principles of Capital to more recent economic conditions and crises.

Many people approach reading Marx's 'Capital' with great trepidation, especially as it's first three chapters are famously difficult, I know I did.So, therefore, anything which helps readers get to grips with, persevere with and better understand that book is to be welcomed, and David Harvey has produced an excellent companion, for 'Capital Vol 1 for just that purpose. Anyone wanting a substitute to the task of reading 'Capital' will be disappointed however.....you'll still need to tackle the big book itself.I like the way that Harvey uses techniques from his lecture series to explain concepts - like talking about breakfast to explain the concept of 'commodity fetishism'.Even for those who have already read 'Capital', Harvey's 'Companion' will be a be rewarding experience as it makes you review your own understanding leading to a better one.As we live in a time when global capitalism is in crisis and people seek reasons to understand why and look to rediscover Marx's analysis of capitalism, Harvey's 'Companion' is a valuable aid to understanding and, ultimately, challenging and changing the system.

takes the beauty away from the original, but a great insight.