“THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT”: SMITH’S WEALTH OF NATIONS, 1796, SCARCE IN CONTEMPORARY BINDINGS

SMITH, Adam. An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: A. Strahan; and T. Cadell jun. and W. Davies, 1796. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full brown sheep gilt, red and green morocco spine labels. $8000.

1796 edition of Smith’s magnum opus, increasingly difficult to find in contemporary bindings.

"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 all half titles; one page of advertisements at rear of Volume III. ESTC T95381. Goldsmiths 15565. Kress B2618. Palgrave III:116. Bookplates.

Text fine and fresh. Attractive, contemporary full sheep bindings and inner hinges with expert restoration.