The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo | M. H. Dobb

On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation: Volume 1

Extended Synopsis

On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation provides a rigorous analysis of the allocation of wealth among capitalists, landowners, and agricultural workers in early nineteenth-century Britain. Through this careful examination, David Ricardo came to strongly advocate for free trade, explicitly opposing Britain's restrictive "Corn Laws" that heavily influenced the economic landscape of his time.

Serving as the foundational first volume of the definitive Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, this classic text features Ricardo's enduring commentaries and points of divergence with the political economic writings of his contemporaries, Adam Smith and T. R. Malthus. Today, it remains an absolute masterpiece of classical economic thought and a crucial text for understanding the historical development of political philosophy and market mechanics.

Author Biography

David Ricardo was a British political economist and a towering figure in classical economics, best known for his theories on wages, profit, and comparative advantage. This definitive edition was expertly edited by Piero Sraffa with the collaboration of M. H. Dobb, providing an authoritative text for modern scholars.

Reader Targeting

• Scholars and students of classical economics, political economy, and history.
• Readers interested in the foundational theories of free trade and wealth distribution.
• Professionals seeking authoritative reference texts on historical economic policy.

Accolades & Awards

Recognized as the definitive scholarly edition by Liberty Fund, this volume is celebrated for its precise editing and inclusion of essential corresponding notes that contextualize Ricardo's original framework.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic of this book?
The book provides a rigorous analysis of the allocation of wealth among capitalists, landowners, and agricultural workers in Britain, serving as a foundational text in classical economics.

Which volume is this in the collection?
This is Volume 1 of The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo.

Who edited this edition?
This definitive edition was expertly edited by Piero Sraffa with the assistance of M. H. Dobb.

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