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 Hobson’s seminal study “Imperialism – A Study”, he explores the roles of patriotism, philanthropy, and the spirit of adventure in the light of modern imperialism. This fascinating and influential study is highly recommended for those with an interest in history and social science. Contents include: “The Economics of Imperialism” and “The Politics of Imperialism”. 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 complete with an excerpt from “Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism” by V. I. Lenin.