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.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Mysterious / Dark

- Karl Marx spent over 15 years writing the first volume of Das Kapital, which was published in 1867, with the remaining volumes published posthumously based on his drafts.
- Das Kapital was banned in various countries at different times due to its revolutionary ideas, including Russia until 1905, despite being partly inspired by the conditions there.
- The economist and fellow philosopher Friedrich Engels, a close friend and collaborator of Marx, played a crucial role in editing and publishing the second and third volumes of Das Kapital after Marx's death.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Das Kapital reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Das Kapital

title

content

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

chapter

chapterType

section

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”

Das Kapital

Book Brief

Das Kapital

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Das Kapital?