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SMITH, Adam (1723-1790). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776.
2 volumes, 4o (269 x 206 mm). Half-title in volume II only as issued. Vol. I leaves M3, Q1 U3, 2Z3, 3A4 and 3O4 and vol. II leaves D1 and 3Z4 cancelled, final blank in vol. I, publisher's advertisements on verso of 4F2 in vol. II. (Vol. I: tiny hole affecting punctuation on A3; Vol. II: Ss3 with tear extending 2 inches into text from foremargin.) Contemporary tree calf gilt, morocco lettering pieces (very skilfully rehinged preserving original spines, a few other minor repairs, light wear at extremities); quarter calf slipcase. Provenance: Jean Hersholt (signed bookplates) sold Parke-Bernet, New York, 24 March 1954, lot 739 -- purchased from Carnegie Book Shop, New York, 13 December 1962.
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. (2)
2 volumes, 4o (269 x 206 mm). Half-title in volume II only as issued. Vol. I leaves M3, Q1 U3, 2Z3, 3A4 and 3O4 and vol. II leaves D1 and 3Z4 cancelled, final blank in vol. I, publisher's advertisements on verso of 4F2 in vol. II. (Vol. I: tiny hole affecting punctuation on A3; Vol. II: Ss3 with tear extending 2 inches into text from foremargin.) Contemporary tree calf gilt, morocco lettering pieces (very skilfully rehinged preserving original spines, a few other minor repairs, light wear at extremities); quarter calf slipcase. Provenance: Jean Hersholt (signed bookplates) sold Parke-Bernet, New York, 24 March 1954, lot 739 -- purchased from Carnegie Book Shop, New York, 13 December 1962.
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. (2)