The Annotated Works of Henry George: A Treasure Trove of Economic Thought

Henry George, a renowned economist and social reformer of the 19th century, left an indelible mark on the realm of economic thought. His groundbreaking work, "Progress and Poverty," challenged the conventional wisdom of his time and sparked a global movement for economic justice. The Annotated Works of Henry George, a comprehensive collection of his writings, offers a unparalleled opportunity to delve into the mind of a visionary thinker and trace the evolution of his ideas.

The Life and Legacy of Henry George

Born in Philadelphia in 1839, Henry George's childhood was marred by poverty. His experiences during the Great Depression of 1873 forced him to confront the glaring economic disparities of his time. Through extensive reading and self-education, George developed a profound understanding of the complexities of economic systems.

The Annotated Works of Henry George: Progress and Poverty

by Carl Milsted Jr.

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6814 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	602 pages
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	13 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.36 x 11.02 inches

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George's seminal work, "Progress and Poverty," published in 1879, became an instant bestseller and ignited a global movement. His central argument that poverty and economic inequality are not inherent qualities of human nature, but rather the result of unjust land ownership practices, resonated with millions worldwide.

George's vision of a more equitable society, based on the principle of "the single tax" on land, continues to inspire economists, activists, and policymakers to this day.

The Annotated Works of Henry George

The Annotated Works of Henry George, published in 2018, is a meticulously curated collection of George's writings, including his major works, essays, speeches, and correspondence. This comprehensive edition features extensive annotations by renowned scholars, providing valuable context, historical background, and critical analysis.

The collection includes:

• "Progress and Poverty" (1879)
• "Social Problems" (1883)
• "The Land Question" (1884)
• "Protection or Free Trade" (1886)
• "A Perplexed Philosopher" (1892)
• Numerous essays, speeches, and correspondence

Key Concepts and Insights

Throughout his writings, Henry George explored a wide range of economic and social issues, offering profound insights that continue to shape economic thought to this day. Some of the key concepts and insights in his annotated works include:

1. The Law of Rent: George argued that the economic rent of land is a major cause of poverty and inequality. As land becomes scarce, its economic rent increases, capturing an increasing share of wealth from those who labor on it.
2. The Single Tax: George proposed a single tax on land as a solution to poverty and inequality. By taxing the economic rent of land, he believed that the government could generate sufficient revenue to fund essential public services and reduce the tax burden on other forms of production.
3. The Natural Rights of Man: George believed that all humans have a natural right to the use of land. He argued that private ownership of land is a violation of this right and leads to economic inequality and social injustice.
4. The Labor Theory of Value: George rejected the classical labor theory of value, which held that the value of a good is determined by the labor required to produce it. He argued that the value of land is not created by labor but is rather a result of its natural scarcity and location.
5. The Progress and Poverty of Society: George argued that progress in technology and productivity leads to increasing wealth, but this wealth is often captured by landowners in the form of economic rent. This concentration of wealth in the hands of a few leads to poverty and inequality for the many.

Impact and Legacy

Henry George's ideas have had a profound impact on economic thought and social movements worldwide. His writings inspired the "Georgist" movement, which advocates for the single tax on land as a means of achieving economic justice and social equality.

George's ideas have been influential in the development of land value taxation systems in several countries, most notably Australia and Taiwan. His work has also been cited by leading economists and thinkers, including John Maynard Keynes, Albert Einstein, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Delving Deeper

The Annotated Works of Henry George is an invaluable resource for scholars, economists, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of economic thought and its implications for society. Through its comprehensive collection of annotated writings, this collection provides a unique opportunity to engage with the mind of a visionary thinker and explore the enduring legacy of his ideas.

To delve deeper into the annotated works of Henry George, consider the following resources:

• The Henry George School of Social Science: Offers courses and educational materials on the ideas of Henry George and their relevance to contemporary economic issues.
• The Henry George Institute: A research and policy organization dedicated to promoting the principles of land value taxation and economic justice based on George's ideas.
• The International Union for Land Value Taxation: A global organization that advocates for the single tax on land as a means of achieving economic and social justice.

Henry George's legacy as a pioneering economist and social reformer continues to inspire and challenge thinkers to this day. The Annotated Works of Henry George offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the evolution of his economic theories, engage with his profound insights, and appreciate the enduring impact of his ideas on the world.

Whether you are a seasoned economist, a student of history, or simply someone interested in the complexities of economic systems and their implications for society, The Annotated Works of Henry George is an essential resource for understanding the thought of a visionary thinker and the enduring relevance of his ideas.

The Annotated Works of Henry George: Progress and Poverty

by Carl Milsted Jr.

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6814 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	602 pages
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	13 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.36 x 11.02 inches

FREE