This innovative book hones in on key elements of Marx's vast oeuvre, focusing on his contribution to social theory. Themes addressed include: the declining utility of Hegelian philosophy for Marx, his deepening confrontation with Ricardian political economy, Engels’ distorting impact on the publication of Capital, the place of the accumulation of capital, and especially of ‘primitive accumulation’, in Marx’s thought, and more. Extending beyond an analysis of the writing of Marx himself, Zarembka highlights the contributions of Rosa Luxemburg in the realms of political economy and nationalism and closes the book with a consideration of state conspiracies.
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“The virtue of Zarembka’s book is that it examines the different ways in which Marx made a contribution to the social sciences. It offers to the reader much that is original and significant.… He explains in clear and accessible language key concepts of Marx’s economics, and how these have been interpreted by writers such as Rosa Luxemburg. This is a book which can be highly recommended both to specialists in Marx’s ideas and to the wider reading public.”
—James D. White, Critical Sociology, 47:7/8 (Nov 2021)
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“[Paul Zarembka] has written a cogent, far-ranging, and informative work that provides useful insights into some evolving issues and controversies in Marx’s political economy… The informed and provocative nature of some of the arguments and ideas presented will serve to stimulate further research into important Marxian concepts.”
—Contributions to Political Economy, June 2021