Unto This Last, and Other Essays on Political Economy

In this thought‑provoking collection of essays, the author tackles the fundamentals of political economy as a matter of everyday responsibility, comparing it to the simple logic of managing a household. Drawing from a series of lectures first delivered in Manchester, the work argues that basic economic principles are neither obscure nor out of reach, yet they are often ignored because people find their practical demands uncomfortable. The writer insists that true wealth—defined by genuine social benefit rather than mere accumulation—deserves respect, while the prevailing contempt for poverty reveals a moral blind spot in modern society.

Through clear, conversational language, the essays explore how merchants and policymakers alike can fall into mischief when they misunderstand money, labor, and the social impact of their choices. By linking economic theory to real‑world observations, the author invites listeners to reconsider the assumptions that shape our markets and to see how a more honest, humane approach might improve both personal and communal life.