August 2020 Catalogue

F i n e N e w A c q u i s i t i o n s 52 “Smith Himself Ranked It Above The Wealth Of Nations ” 50. SMITH, Adam. The Theory of Moral Sentiments. London, 1767. Octavo, contemporary full brown tree calf rebacked in calf-gilt; pp. (viii), 478. $7800. Click for more info Major third edition of Smith’s first book, containing the first publication in book form of Smith’s Considerations Concerning the First Formation of Languages. “One of the truly outstanding books in the intellectual history of the world” (Amartya Sen). Moral Sentiments is “one of the truly outstanding books in the intellectual history of the world” (Amartya Sen). First issued in 1759, it laid the foundation for Wealth of Nations . This pivotal third edition contains the first publication in book form of Considerations . Contemporary owner signature. Owner signature above title page. Pencil inscription. Text quite fresh with mere trace of scattered foxing, contemporary calf-gilt boards with early restoration, beautifully rebacked. An attractive copy. “It is reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast, the man within, the great judge and arbiter of our conduct.”