"THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT"

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

Ninth edition of Smith's landmark work—"probably the most important book which has ever been written" (Buckle).

"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. Bound with half titles. Kress B3994. Goldsmiths 17550. Palgrave III:116. ESTC T95382. Occasional later marginal ink notations.

Light expert restoration to contemporary calf boards. A beautiful copy.