April Catalogue 2024

B A U M A N R A R E B O O K S a p r i l 2 0 2 4 spring gifts 45 “THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT”: SMITH’S WEALTH OF NATIONS, 1793, SCARCE IN CONTEMPORARY CALF 45. SMITH, Adam. An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations. London, 1793. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full brown calf rebacked with original spines laid down. $6500 1793 edition of Smith’s magnum opus, very scarce in contemporary calf. “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 seventh edition. Bound without half titles; one page of advertisements at rear of Volume III. ESTC T95380. Kress B2618. Palgrave III:116. Goldsmiths 15565. Owner signatures. Interior generally fine with only occasional light foxing, contemporary tree calf quite handsome with minor expert restoration.

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