John Atkinson Hobson (1858 – 1940) was an English social scientist and economist most famous for his work on imperialism—which notably had an influence on Vladimir Lenin—as well as his theory of underconsumption. His early work also questioned the classical theory of rent and predicted the Neoclassical "marginal productivity" theory of distribution. In his 1891 work “Problems of Poverty”, Hobson explores the subject of poverty and the industrial condition of the poor, looking at such factors as the introduction of machinery, women workers, moral considerations, law, and much more. This volume will appeal to those with an interest in the history of European industrial development, and it is not to be missed by fans and collectors of Hobson's seminal work. Contents include: “The Measure of Poverty”, “The Effects of Machinery on the Condition of the Working Class”, “The Influx of Population into Large Towns”, “'The Sweating System'”, “The Causes of Sweating”, “Remedies for Sweating”, “Over-supply of Low-skilled Labour”, “The Industrial Condition of Women-workers”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition together with an excerpt from “Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism” by V. I. Lenin.

This study is the culmination of a five months survey of Honolulu's industrial conditions and how they impact the lives of working-class women and girls. Published in 1912, Frances Blascoer offers detailed insight and criticisms of the reality of life and social structures on the island of Hawaii. Alongside the spotlight on working women, there is a glimpse of tropical life on the island. Optimistic and written with passion, this fascinating account is still relevant today.