We present to the attention of readers the classic work of the founder of the Soviet state, V.I. Lenin, written by him in the first half of 1916. In this work, relying on the laws of development of capitalism discovered by Marx and Engels, on the basis of an in-depth study of extensive factual material, Lenin reveals the economic and political essence of imperialism - a new stage into which capitalism entered in its development by the beginning of the 20th century. The first six chapters contain a comprehensive scientific analysis of the economic essence of imperialism, manifested in its basic economic features. The last four chapters are devoted to a generalized description of imperialism; they provide an analysis of the historical place of imperialism as the eve of the socialist revolution. The book will be of interest to both professional historians, political scientists, philosophers, and a wide range of readers.