In a general introduction Michael Freeden analyses the key organizing concepts of HobsonтАЩs work, identifying the main areas of impact and controversy, and he suggests a framework of interpretation that demonstrates HobsonтАЩs innovatory radicalism. He emphasizes HobsonтАЩs humanist, qualitative understanding of economics, his significant contributions to the transformation of liberal theory, his trenchant critique of imperialism and his тАШhereticalтАШ theory of underconsumption. Hobson is placed in the intellectual context of his times and shown to be an important member of groups that helped to formulate the ideology of the modem welfare state.
A wide selection of HobsonтАЩs writings is made available for student and scholar alike. Grouped thematically, extracts include pieces from major works such as The Problem of the Unemployed, Imperialism: A Study, The Crisis of Liberalism and The Industrial System and span a period from 1896 to 1938.