Of the three English writers whose work hasbecome a portion of all Political Economy, Malthusis the second in time and in honour. His servicesto general theory are at least equal to Ricardo’s; andhis full illustration of one particular detail will rankwith the best work of Adam Smith.

In the following pages the detail will be themain subject, and general theory the episode. ThePolitical Economy and minor writings of Malthus(which are not few) will be noticed only in relationto the Essay on Population.

Accordingly, the First of these Five Books will dealwith the genesis, history, and contents of the Essay,plunging the reader in medias res and keeping himthere, till the facts force him, in the Second Book,to recur with the author to Economical theory. TheThird will show the mind of Malthus more clearlyby adding to his economics his Ethics and PoliticalviiiPhilosophy; and the Fourth, with the case now fullystated, will criticize the Critics of the Essay, and tryto determine how much of its doctrine remains stillvaluable. The Fifth Book, with its Biography, mayhelp the reader to associate the living personality ofthe man with his writings.

London, June 1885.