Exploring the Original Works of Karl Marx's Das Kapital
Karl Marx's Das Kapital is a seminal work in economic theory, sociology, and political philosophy. However, many curious minds wonder about the original sources and documents that Marx used to write this groundbreaking book. This article aims to delve into the original materials, including Marx's manuscripts and the first published editions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the work's origins and its impact.
About the Original Manuscripts and Manuscript Materials
When people ask about "Marx's original works on Das Kapital," they are often referring to the initial written materials Marx himself created. These include his notes and handwritten manuscripts, which might still be in the hands of Engels's family. Engels, Marx's lifelong friend and editor, used these notes to publish the second and third volumes of Das Kapital after Marx's death. Engels's role in this process highlights the collaborative nature of Marx's intellectual work and the importance of his personal notes in completing the series.
Notably, Marx would not have had "works on Das Kapital" in the sense of a printed edition during his lifetime. Instead, he produced the manuscript that would become the book. Marx's primary contribution was the First Volume of Das Kapital, a work that synthesized his decades of research and economic analysis. This First Volume, published in 1867, is a significant milestone in economic history and continues to be a subject of extensive analysis and debate.
The First Published Edition of Das Kapital
The first published edition of Das Kapital is a rare and valuable artifact. The book, originally titled A Critique of Political Economy, is now known simply as Kapital. It was first published in German in 1867, in Hamburg, in a printed wrapper. Marx modestly described the work as a continuation of his earlier book, Zur Kritik der Politischen Oekonomie, published in 1859. Only 1000 copies of the first edition were printed during Marx's lifetime, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
Engels later published the second and third volumes of Das Kapital in 1885 and 1894, respectively. These volumes were based on Marx's extensive notes and manuscripts, which likely remain a valuable resource for scholars and researchers. Engels's work in completing the series serves as an acknowledgment of Marx's immense intellectual contribution and the ongoing relevance of his ideas.
The First English Translation
The first English translation of Das Kapital was published in 1887. The Athenaeum reviewer wrote that the book, under the guise of a critical analysis of capital, was primarily a polemic against capitalists and the capitalist mode of production. This polemical tone, as the reviewer noted, is a significant aspect of Marx's work and continues to be a source of fascination and debate.
Location of Marx's Notes and Manuscripts
While specific information about the current location of Marx's notes and original drafts is scarce, it is likely that they are safely held in the British Museum. The Reading Room of the British Museum, where Marx spent much of his time, proved to be an invaluable resource for his research. These handwritten manuscripts and notes provide valuable insights into the development of Marx's economic theories and the evolution of Das Kapital.
In conclusion, the original works of Karl Marx's Das Kapital consist of his personal notes and manuscripts that were eventually published by his collaborator, Engels. The first edition, published in 1867, is a rare and valuable book in the history of economic theory. These documents not only offer a glimpse into Marx's intellectual journey but also underline the enduring significance of his ideas in contemporary social and economic discourse.
For those interested in learning more about Marx's work, the original manuscripts and manuscripts materials are key to understanding the full context and impact of the Das Kapital. Engels's role in completing and publishing the series further highlights the collaborative nature of Marx's intellectual work and the enduring relevance of his ideas to modern society.