Who was Meyer? I ask because Marx's description of his book sounds like it could be
nothing more than a well researchered magazine article. Did he not respect Meyer or did he
not have the time/energy for a deeper explanation?
You'll have to consult with Karl directly on this. It may have been a period of 'carbuncular agony' (a phrase from Francis Wheen-- a journalist who understands neither Marx's economics nor politics). Another part of that 1867 letter to Meyer (who was a German member of the International organising in NYC):
You must think very badly of me, and all the more so when I tell you that your letters did not merely give me great pleasure but were a real comfort to me since they reached me at a time of great affliction. The knowledge that a capable man, à la hauteur des principes, has been won for our party, is some compensation to me for the worst. Your letters were furthermore full of such warm friendship for me personally, and you will appreciate that I who am engaged in a most bitter struggle with the (official) world can least afford to underestimate such things.
Why then did I not answer you? Because I was the whole time at deaths door. I thus had to make use of every moment when I was capable of work to complete my book [Capital] to which I have sacrificed my health, happiness, and family. I hope this explanation suffices. I laugh at the so-called practical men and their wisdom. If one wanted to be an ox, one could, of course, turn ones back on the sufferings of humanity and look after ones own hide. But I should really have thought myself unpractical if I had pegged out without finally completing my book, at least in manuscript.
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Currently based in Venezuela. Can be reached at
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Departamento 601
Parque Central, Zona Postal 1010, Oficina 1
Caracas, Venezuela
(58-212) 573-4111
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