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.
1. Malthus: The Last Words. Comments and Reflections of the 6th and last
edition of Malthuss 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.
David Coleman is Professor Emeritus of Demography at the University of Oxford.
