Landmark Books in All Fields
ItemID: #123168
Cost: $6,500.00

Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith

"THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT": SMITH'S WEALTH OF NATIONS, 1796, IN CONTEMPORARY TREE CALF

SMITH, Adam. An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: A. Strahan, T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1796. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full brown tree calf rebacked, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, red morocco spine labels; housed in a custom slipcase. $6500.

Early edition of Smith's magnum opus, a beautiful copy in contemporary tree calf boards.

"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). Buckle's History of Civilization calls Wealth of Nations "probably the most important book which has ever been written," while economist J.A.R. Mariott asserts that "there is probably no single work in the language which has in its day exercised an influence so profound." First published in 1776. Stated eighth edition. With half titles. Volume III with rear page of publisher's advertisements. Kress B3289. Goldsmiths 16558. Palgrave III:116. ESTC T95381. Owner signature of John Goudie (also spelled Goldie and Gowdie), possibly the well-known 18th-century Scottish essayist, cabinet maker and merchant who maintained a long friendship with Robert Burns—Burns poem "Epistle to John Goldie, in Kilmarnock" is about him.

Interior fine, contemporary boards lovely. An excellent copy.

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