First published in 1922, Hobson’s study of the depression and resulting unemployment in the aftermath of the First World War is a far-sighted analysis which looks beyond the consequences of the war itself, at the root economic causes of the crisis. Dealing with issues such as the failure of consumption, trade fluctuations, the balance of spending and saving, and spiralling credit as factors which lay at the root of the depression, Hobson’s study is a document of considerable economic, social and historical value, which still has much to teach the modern reader, whether interested layperson or student of economics.

First published in 1981, Labour Market Economics develops the basic economic theory of introductory courses within the context of labour market analysis and applies it both to particular features and special problems of the subject. The author begins by outlining the nature of the area and the structure of the UK labour market at the time, and proceeds to explain and elaborate the tools of theoretical analysis. These are then applied in subsequent chapters to a variety of issues, including the economic analysis of trade unions, collective bargaining and the effects of unions, unemployment, wage inflation and the inequality of pay. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on the economic theory of the labour market and the role of empirical work in testing its predictions, and wherever available, evidence from studies of the UK labour markets is cited.

Job loss is one of the most important issues in the capitalist world today: endless reports document the increasing scale of unemployment. This title, first published in 1982, adopted a new approach to the geography of job loss, to assess why redundancy happens and where. Massey and Meegan argue that an increase in dismissal does not necessarily mean that an industry is in decline; rather, it can be the result of a variety of issues, including production for profit and the relationship between industry and location. Throughout the book, discussions about theory and methodology are complemented by industry-based case studies. This title addresses issues of particular relevance to today’s economic climate, and will be particularly valuable to students with an interest in employment and job loss, and industrial labour and profitability.

First published in 1990, this book traces the logic and the peculiarities of German economic development through the Weimar Republic, Third Reich and Federal Republic. Providing a comprehensive analysis of the period. The book also assesses controversial issues, such as the origins of the Great Depression, the primacy of politics or economics in the decision to invade Poland and the future risks to the Weltmeister economy of the Federal Republic oppressed by unemployment, the huge debts of some of its trading partners, and the possibility of worldwide protectionism.

First published in 1896, this seminal work considers the Question of the Unemployed at the height of imperialist capitalism. Hobson proposes a controversial theory of social progress, which argues that unemployment is a natural and necessary result of the mal-distribution of consumption power. In a comprehensive assessment of the practicalities of capitalism, The Problem of the Unemployed considers the root causes and meaning of unemployment and possible solutions to the issue.

How far was unemployment responsible for the triumph of the Third Reich? This collection of essays by British and German historians examines the collapse of democracy in Weimar Germany from the viewpoint of the social historian.

As Secretary General of the ICF and previously Assistant General Secretary of the IMF, Charles Levinson played an important part in developing the countervailing labour response to the multinational corporations. His earlier work, Capital, Inflation and the Multinationals (Routledge Revivals, 2013) displayed the force of his insight into the dynamics of modern economics and technology. First published in 1972, this book considers the opportunities which allow unions to command an increasing share in decisions that shape the worker’s destiny. Chapters include discussions on the multinational corporations, industrial democracy and the ideas behind collective bargaining.

First published in 1896, this seminal work considers the Question of the Unemployed at the height of imperialist capitalism. Hobson proposes a controversial theory of social progress, which argues that unemployment is a natural and necessary result of the mal-distribution of consumption power. In a comprehensive assessment of the practicalities of capitalism, The Problem of the Unemployed considers the root causes and meaning of unemployment and possible solutions to the issue.

First published in 1930, John Hobson’s study deals with the economic dilemmas generated in the early twentieth century by the advent of mass production. Namely the over-production and surfeit of goods and the resultant failure of the expansion of markets leading to record levels of mass unemployment. Seeking a solution to this dilemma, Hobson analyses all aspects of the problem: income, uses of the surplus, underconsumption, markets and distribution, and internationalism. The study also explores theories concerning economies of rationalisation, both in terms of productivity and consumption.