“THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT”—A BEAUTIFUL SET IN CONTEMPORARY TREE CALF

SMITH, Adam. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: for A. Strahan, T. Cadell, and W. Davies, 1799. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full tree calf, black and brown morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers.    $7500.

Ninth edition of Smith’s landmark work, beautifully bound in full contemporary tree calf-gilt.

“Where the political aspects of human rights had taken two centuries to explore, Smith's achievement was to bring the study of economic aspects to the same point in a single work… it is the first and greatest classic of modern economic thought” (PMM 221). First published in 1776. Bound with half-titles in all volumes. Kress B.2209. Armorial bookplates.

Interiors fine; light expert restoration to spines. A most handsome and desirable copy in contemporary tree calf.