On the Principles of Political Economy, and Taxation

This classic work by David Ricardo, originally published in 1817, is one of the founding texts of modern economics.

David Ricardo (Author)

9781108075435, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 January 2015

616 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.77 kg

This work, originally published in 1817, is one of the founding texts of modern economics. Enormously successful as a stockbroker, David Ricardo (1772–1823) was able to lead the life of a wealthy country squire, while his intellectual interests caused him to move in the circles of Thomas Malthus and James Mill. It was at Mill's urging that Ricardo published this book, entered Parliament in 1819 (as an independent member for a rotten Irish borough) and worked for financial and parliamentary reform. Ricardo argues in this work that Adam Smith was mistaken in his understanding of the economic significance of rent, and also demonstrates the mutual benefit of free trade between countries, as against protectionism. The book's findings and conclusions have been controversial since its publication, but led John Stuart Mill to judge Ricardo 'the greatest political economist'.

Preface
1. On value
2. On rent
3. On the rent of mines
4. On natural and market price
5. On wages
5*. On profits
6. On foreign trade
7. On taxes
8. Taxes on raw produce
8*. Taxes on rent
9. Tithes
10. Land-tax
11. Taxes on gold
12. Taxes on houses
13. Taxes on profits
14. Taxes on wages
15. Taxes on other commodities than raw produce
16. Poor rates
17. On sudden changes in the channels of trade
18. Value and riches, their distinct properties
19. Effects of accumulation on profits and interest
20. Bounties on exportation, and prohibitions of importation
21. On bounties on production
22. Doctrine of Adam Smith concerning the rent of land
23. On colonial trade
24. On gross and net revenue
25. On currency and banks
26. On the comparative value of gold, corn, and labour, in rich and in poor countries
27. Taxes paid by the producer
28. On the influence of demand and supply on prices
29. Mr Malthus's opinions on rent
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]