An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.

With Garnier's essay. An early critical edition of Smith's abiding classic Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, a cornerstone text in the development of modern economic theory and political philosophy.

The work is fundamentally an investigation into what makes certain nations prosperous. Smith's originality lies in locating the roots of this comparative wealth in the specialisation of labour which had occurred in developed economies, for the 'annual labour of every nation is the fund which originally supplies it with all the necessaries and conveniences of life which it annually consumes, and which consist always, either in the immediate produce of that labour, or in what is purchased with that produce from other nations' (Introduction).

This edition opens with a 'Life' of the author, and an English translation of Germain Garnier's 'Short View of the Doctrine of Smith', a comparative study of the Scottish philosopher and the French physiocrats. Garnier observes the 'great difference between the doctrine of Smith and of the economists, lies in the point from which they set out... The latter go back to the soil as the primary source of all wealth; while the former regards labour as the universal agent, which in every case produces it' (p.xlv).

3 vols; 8vo (21.5 x 13.5 cm); ownership inscription in pen to front free endpaper verso of each vol., library stamp to front free endpaper of each vol., shelfmark label to front pastedowns, text-block a little toned, minor spotting; contemporary calf, covers ruled in gilt, gilt spine in 6 compartments, contrasting green morocco lettering-pieces, joints and spine caps expertly restored, covers slightly marked, a little rubbed, very good; ix, [1], lxv, [1], 360; vi, 514; v, [1], 448, [50]pp.

Tribe 122.