Thomas Robert Malthus - An Essay on the Principle of Population: A New Look for the 21st Century

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.

David Coleman is Professor Emeritus of Demography at the University of Oxford.