The Science of Political Economy Abridged Version

by Henry George

Overview

A Reconstruction of Its Principles in Clear and Systematic Form

Henry George believed that "(o)f all the sciences, political economy is that which to civilized men of today is of most practical importance." In his last work, George presents economic principles in a logical, encyclopedic system, encompassing concepts of wealth, ownership, value, money and semantics.

This highly accessible abridged edition has an introduction by Harry Pollard and an afterword by Lindy Davies.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940016590394
Publisher:	Robert Schalkenbach Foundation
Publication date:	05/28/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	284
File size:	639 KB

About the Author

Henry George began with the ethical premise that all people have an equal right to the use of the earth. From that he concluded that exclusive private ownership of land (natural resources) creates unwarranted special privileges. Furthermore, he observed that holding land out of production drives down real wages and the returns to capital equipment. This process is further exacerbated by taxes on production and income that
1) increase unemployment
2) discourage productive investment, and
3) encourage unproductive land speculation and rent-seeking.
To counteract this self-destructive system, George advocated shifting taxes from labor and capital onto the value of land and natural resources.
In addition to his various writings, Henry George was well known for his two attempts to run for mayor of New York (during the first run, he came in second and a young Theodore Roosevelt came in third). He also traveled around the world promoting his vision of economic justice by his inspiring oratory. Many a young reformer got their start by reading or hearing Henry George. In Russia, George’s ideas were popularized by Leo Tolstoy, and in China, by Sun Yat-Sen. Today, as a growing population confronts the need fairly, peacefully, and efficiently to allocate access to the gifts of nature, the ideas of Henry George have gained a new relevance.

“Men like Henry George are rare unfortunately. One cannot imagine a more beautiful combination of intellectual keenness, artistic form, and fervent love of justice.”
~Albert Einstein