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SMITH, Adam.

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

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

Stock Code 121311

London, Printed for A. Strahan; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, 1791.

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the first posthumous edition

The first posthumous edition of Smith's masterpiece, a cornerstone in the development of modern economic theory and political philosophy.

Wealth of Nations '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).

Sixth edition; 3 vols; 8vo (22 x 14 cm); old binder and bookseller's tickets to front pastedown of vol. 1, textblock a little toned, vol. I 2K2 paper flaw with slight loss to upper margin not affecting text; contemporary mottled calf by Hookham & Carpenter of Bond Street, contrasting green morocco lettering-pieces to spine, sympathetically rebacked preserving original spines with areas of in-fill, lettering-pieces with slight loss of gilt to vol. 3, corners rubbed, very good; x, 499, [1]; vi, 518, [6]; v, [1], 465, [51]pp.

ESTC T95383; Tribe 41.

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