Correspondence between Malthus and David Ricardo

What it is

This is a collection of letters exchanged between Thomas Robert Malthus and David Ricardo between 1811 and Ricardo's death in 1823. The letters discuss their ongoing disagreements on economic questions such as rent, value and currency.

Why it matters

Malthus and Ricardo were friends despite disagreeing on many fundamental points of economic theory, including whether a general oversupply of goods ('glut') was possible. Their correspondence helped shape the development of classical economics in the early nineteenth century, showing how two leading thinkers worked through difficult ideas together even while disagreeing.

Look closer

• What does the tone of these letters suggest about the relationship between Malthus and Ricardo?
• Why might writing letters have been an important way for economists of this period to develop their ideas?
• What topics do they seem to agree on, and where do they still differ?