p April 30, 1867

p ... Well, why didn’t I answer you? Because I was constantly hovering at the edge of the grave. Hence I had to make use of every moment when I was able to work to complete my book, to which I have sacrificed health, happiness, and family. I trust that this explanation needs no supplementation. I laugh at the so-called “practical” men with their wisdom. If one chose to be an ox, one could of course turn one’s back on the sufferings of mankind and look after one’s own skin. But I should have really regarded myself as impractical if I had pegged out without completely finishing my book, at least in manuscript.

The first volume of the work will be published in a few weeks by Otto Meissner in Hamburg. The title is: Capital. A Critique of Political Economy___