Beschreibung:

SMITH, ADAM An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1776. First edition, the issue without the Edinburgh imprint of W. Creech (as copies with his imprint have cancel titles, those lacking the Edinburgh imprint such as this probably have priority). Two volumes, early (and possibly original) blue-gray boards, spines and corners in modern brown calf, the spines lettered in gilt, all edges sprinkled blue. 10 1/2 x 8 inches (26.5 x 21 cm); with the half title in volume two only, and errata on the verso of the title of that volume, as called for (no half-title for the first volume was ever issued). [12], 510 pp.; [4], 587, [1-ads] pp. Volume I: A^(4) a^(2) B-Z, Aa-Zz, 3A-3S^(4) T^(4) (-3T4, as usual); Volume II: A^(2) B-Z, Aa-Zz, Aaa-Zzz, 4A-4E^(4) 4F^(2). With the usual cancels: M3, Q1, U3, 2Z3, 3A4 and 3O4 in volume I, cancels D1 & 3Z4 in volume II. Old stain to the center of the cover of volume II, light binding wear, but a sound copy. Within, title of the first volume with a corner crease, a few minor spots of foxing intermittently, but generally a crisp, clean unpressed copy. Old marginal tear without loss to E4 in the first volume. Early signature of H.L. Boswell at the heads of the titles and of the first text leaves. The first edition of what PMM refers to, with full justice, as "the first and greatest classic of modern economic thought." In the 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. C