with a life of the author. Also, view of the doctrine of Smith, compared with that of the French economists; with a method of facilitating the study of his works; from the French of M. Garnier.
London, Printed for J. Maynard, Panton Street Hay-Market; and F. Zinke, 448, Strand, 1811
With Garnier's essay. An early critical edition of Smith's masterpiece, a cornerstone text 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).
The 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.l).
3 vols; 8vo (22 x 14 cm); old bookseller's label to rear pastedown of vol. 1, a little toning; contemporary speckled calf, joints expertly restored, contrasting morocco lettering-pieces to spine, renewed, endpapers slightly spotted, a handsome set; lxxi, [1], 360; vi, 514; v, [1], 448, [50]pp.
Kress B.5916.
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).
The 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.l).
3 vols; 8vo (22 x 14 cm); old bookseller's label to rear pastedown of vol. 1, a little toning; contemporary speckled calf, joints expertly restored, contrasting morocco lettering-pieces to spine, renewed, endpapers slightly spotted, a handsome set; lxxi, [1], 360; vi, 514; v, [1], 448, [50]pp.
Kress B.5916.
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