Property of a California Collector
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith, 1776
Details
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith, 1776
SMITH, Adam (1723-1790). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776.
A handsome, full-margined copy of the first edition of "the first and greatest classic of modern economic thought" (PMM). In his Wealth of Nations, Smith "begins with the thought that labour is the source from which a nation derives what is necessary to it. The improvement of the division of labour is the measure of productivity and in it lies the human propensity to barter and exchange ... The Wealth of Nations ends with a history of economic development, a definitive onslaught on the mercantile system, and some prophetic speculations on the limits of economic control" (PMM). Goldsmith 11392; Grolier English 57; Kress 7621; PMM 221; Rothschild 1897.
Two volumes, quarto (299 x 238 mm). Half-title in volume 2, as issued. With, as often, cancels M3, Q1 U3, 2Z3, 3A4 and 3O4 in volume I, and D1 and 3Z4 in volume II. Modern paper-backed blue boards in contemporary style, UNCUT; cloth folding case.
Adam Smith, 1776
SMITH, Adam (1723-1790). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776.
A handsome, full-margined copy of the first edition of "the first and greatest classic of modern economic thought" (PMM). In his Wealth of Nations, Smith "begins with the thought that labour is the source from which a nation derives what is necessary to it. The improvement of the division of labour is the measure of productivity and in it lies the human propensity to barter and exchange ... The Wealth of Nations ends with a history of economic development, a definitive onslaught on the mercantile system, and some prophetic speculations on the limits of economic control" (PMM). Goldsmith 11392; Grolier English 57; Kress 7621; PMM 221; Rothschild 1897.
Two volumes, quarto (299 x 238 mm). Half-title in volume 2, as issued. With, as often, cancels M3, Q1 U3, 2Z3, 3A4 and 3O4 in volume I, and D1 and 3Z4 in volume II. Modern paper-backed blue boards in contemporary style, UNCUT; cloth folding case.
Provenance
"A Massachusetts Collector" (sold, Christie's New York, 4 December 2014, lot 254) – acquired at that auction by the current owner.
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Annie Roddy
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