Thomas Robert Malthus An Essay on the Principle of Population

This book presents Thomas Robert Malthus' influential classic in the history of economic thought, "An Essay on the Principle of Population, 6th edition (1826), marking its 200th anniversary. The critical introduction accompanying the original text in this volume explains Malthus's view that human populations grow until checked by disease, hunger, and death. Malthus moderated his initially harsher views in later editions like this one, showing how societies could adopt measures to avert the severe consequences of population pressure on resources. His initial outburst was a reaction to utopian speculations. Malthus' ideas, influencing Darwin and Wallace, continue to provoke strong reactions. This introduction suggests that dismissing Malthus stems from ignorance or misunderstanding of demographic changes.

The book will be a fundamental read for experts, students, and curious readers alike.

Provides an expert commentary on the economical aspects of Malthus' work with the support of mathematical knowledge Considers contemporary data on population, as well as political and social problems from a Malthusian viewpoint Includes an analysis of contemporary revisionist interpretations of Malthus, and new interpretations of his work

Autorentext

David Coleman is Professor Emeritus of Demography at the University of Oxford.

Inhalt

1. Malthus: The Last Words. Comments and Reflections of the 6th and last edition of Malthus's 'Principle of Population'.- 2. An Essay on the Principle of Population, Original Commented Table of Contents.- 3. An Essay on the Principle of Population, Vol. 1.- 3.1 Preface to the Second Edition.- 3.2 Preface to the Fifth Edition.- 3.3 Advertisement to the Sixth Edition.- 3.4 Book I: Of the Checks to Population in the Less Civilized Parts of the World and in Past Times.- 3.5 Book II: Of the Checks to Population in the Different States of Modern Europe.- 4 An Essay on the Principle of Population, vol. 2.- 4.1 Book III: Of the Different Systems or Expedients which Have Been Proposed or Have Prevailed in Society, as They Affect the Evils Arising From the Principle of Population.- 4.2 Book IV: Of Our Future Prospects Respecting the Removal or Mitigation of the Evils Arising from the Principle of Population.