B A U M A N R A R E B O O K S J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 23 "THE FIRST AND GREATEST CLASSIC OF MODERN ECONOMIC THOUGHT": SMITH'S WEALTH OF NATIONS, 1796, IN CONTEMPORARY CALF 23. SMITH, Adam. An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London, 1796. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full mottled calf gilt. $6500 Early edition of Smith’s magnum opus, a handsome copy in contemporary tree 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 eighth edition. With half titles; Volume III with rear page of publisher’s advertisements; Volume II without preliminary blank leaf. Kress B3289. Goldsmiths 16558. Palgrave III:116. ESTC T95381. Light foxing to first few and last few leaves of each volume, including title pages; interiors clean. A nicely refurbished set, beautiful and desirable in contemporary calf-gilt.
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