Co-operatives provide a different approach to organising business through their ideals of member ownership and democratic practice. Every co-operative member has an equal vote regardless of his or her own personal capital investment. They take a variety of different forms, including consumer co-operatives, agricultural co-operatives, worker co-operatives and financial co-operatives. Patmore, Balnave and Marjanovic provide a perspective on Australian co-operative development within a conceptual framework and international context since the 1820s by exploring the economic, political and social factors that explain their varying fortunes. Drawing upon the Visual Historical Atlas of Australian Co-operatives, a significant database of Australian co-operatives and a variety of historical sources, this book provides a detailed historical analysis of their development, from their inception in Australia to today. Australian co-operatives were heavily dependent on state sympathy for their growth and vulnerable to ideas that challenged collective organisation such as Neo-liberalism. Despite these challenges, the co-operative business model has persisted and since 2009, there has been resurgence of interest and organisation that may provide a platform for future growth. A useful resource for practitioners, students, educators, policy makers and researchers that highlights a significant alternative business model to the Investor-Owned Business and state enterprise.

Co-operatives provide a different approach to organising business through their ideals of member ownership and democratic practice. Every co-operative member has an equal vote regardless of his or her own personal capital investment. They take a variety of different forms including consumer co-operatives, agricultural co-operatives, worker co-operatives and financial co-operatives. Patmore, Balnave and Marjanovic provide a perspective on Australian co-operative development within a conceptual framework and international context since the 1820s by exploring the economic, political and social factors that explain their varying fortunes. Drawing upon the Visual Historical Atlas of Australian Co-operatives, a significant database of Australian co-operatives, and a variety of historical sources, this book provides a detailed historical analysis of their development, from their inception in Australia to today. Australian co-operatives were heavily dependent on state sympathy for their growth and vulnerable to ideas that challenged collective organisation such as neo-liberalism. Despite these challenges, the co-operative business model has persisted and since 2009, there has been resurgence of interest and organisation that may provide a platform for future growth. A useful resource for practitioners, students, educators, policy makers and researchers that highlights a significant alternative business model to the Investor-Owned Business and state enterprise.

So what is a member-owned business? What does it look like? How can we distinguish it from an investor-owned business? The crucial distinction is between a business that is people-centred, and one that is money-centred. This book explores the growing number of companies which use this model and their wider significance in society.

Karl Marx's 'Capital & The Communist Manifesto' is a seminal work that delves into the critical analysis of capitalism and the principles of communism. The book is written in a dense and analytical style, focusing on economic theory and the social relations of production. Marx's use of historical materialism provides a unique perspective on the development of capitalism and class struggles. 'Capital & The Communist Manifesto' serves as a cornerstone in Marxist literature, influencing generations of scholars and activists. The clear and concise writing appeals to readers interested in political economy and socialist philosophy. Karl Marx, a renowned philosopher and economist, wrote 'Capital & The Communist Manifesto' to detail his critique of the capitalist system and advocate for a proletarian revolution. Marx's background as a revolutionary thinker and political activist shaped his perspective on the exploitation of the working class and the necessity of a socialist society. His theories continue to be studied and debated in academic circles worldwide. I highly recommend 'Capital & The Communist Manifesto' to readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of Marxist theory and its relevance in today's socio-economic climate. Marx's insights into capitalism and communism offer valuable perspectives on the dynamics of class struggle and the pursuit of social justice.

Karl Marx's 'Capital: The Process of Capitalist Production' is a foundational work in the realm of political economy and critical theory. This book delves into the intricacies of capitalism, examining the exploitation of labor, the dynamics of class struggle, and the mechanisms of surplus value extraction. Marx's writing is characterized by its rigorous analysis, dense theoretical framework, and historical context, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for those interested in understanding the inner workings of capitalist societies. The detailed examination of economic principles and power dynamics is a testament to Marx's keen intellect and commitment to social critique. 'Capital' serves as a seminal text in Marxist literature, influencing generations of scholars, activists, and policymakers in their understanding of capitalism and its implications for society. It remains a vital resource for anyone seeking to engage critically with the economic structures that shape our world today.

Karl Marx's 'Capital' is a seminal work in the study of political economy and sociology, delving into the social and economic structures of capitalist societies. Written in a dense and analytical style, the book explores the relationships between labor, commodities, and capital, offering profound insights into the dynamics of capitalist exploitation and alienation. Through a thorough examination of the capitalist mode of production, Marx uncovers the contradictions inherent in a system driven by profit and accumulation. The book's historical context, written in the mid-19th century, remains relevant today in understanding the foundations of modern economic systems. Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist, was deeply influenced by the social inequalities and injustices of his time, leading him to write 'Capital' as a critique of capitalism. Drawing on his background in philosophy and political theory, Marx sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic forces shaping society, advocating for a more equitable and just system. His groundbreaking theories on labor, value, and class struggle have had a lasting impact on social and political thought. I highly recommend 'Capital (Complete 3 Volume Edition)' to readers interested in delving into the complexities of capitalism and its effects on society. Marx's provocative analysis challenges readers to critically reflect on the structures of power and inequality that define our economic systems.