2025 is the year I plan on reading Volumes 1-3 of Capital. I understand that Marxists.org has the Moore/Engels version, but most people seem to prefer the Fowkes translation in Penguin. Recently, there is the Reitter translation of Volume 1 that supposedly uses a later original German edition of Capital as the base than the widely beloved Fowkes translation, but I am not sure if anyone has any experience with it yet.
Which would you recommend for someone diving into Capital for the first time? I’d prefer a physical version (to take notes) but I am not too fussed if its an ebook, I’m not incapable of using a notebook or anything instead of direct annotation.
I read the Ben Fowkes penguin edition. It’s good. Some of the footnotes are a bit… meta - where you have footnotes from Marx, BF and Engels. This version is my preference , as I like to hold the book, especially if I have to study something carefully.
IMO it’s better than the Marxists.org copy because the online version contains errors. only minor typos, formatting issues and unclear footnotes but they are there. I do refer to that version and have skim read most of it because it’s handy to have an online, always-accessible, searchable version.
but for closely studying, i would go with the physical penguin version if you can afford it and can get along with handwriting notes, etc (if you work better online, the Marxists.org version will be fine.)
As for the reading order, you don’t have to read it from start to finish. Pick a later chapter that looks interesting and think about the general concepts that you already know about while you read it. . Once you see how Marx deploys his concepts in one of the…juicier chapters, you might find chapters 1-4 a lot more engaging. because you will know where Marx is going with them.
(I would suggest then eventually re-reading the later chapter when you read from chapter 1 chronologically - you’ll be able to re-evaluate it knowing Marx’s notion of commodities in more depth and things will start to make a lot of sense).
Appreciate it! Definitely leaning Penguin physical, maybe Reitter down the road for a re-read.
you’re welcome. I’m thinking of taking a look at the reitter translation. if I can find the time, I’ll read it this year (assuming I’m not the only one who is treating 2025 basically to have started already-i don’t think I’ll get around to it in '24). I’ll make a post about it if I do
likewise , let me know what you think if you go with that version or read it later ; there’s a strong chance that you’ll read it before me lol (my reading list is always far too ambitious).
Haha, I have trimmed my theory “need to read” list to around 30 more works, 3 of which are Capital but others are around 30 minutes of reading, some are 10 hours, etc. I plan on making my way through it in 2025, though that will be difficult… and I still plan on reading more afterwards.
Will let you know if I go with Reitter though!