Printed for A. Strahan and T. Cadell in the Strand, London, 1789. Beautiful fifth edition in contemporary polished calf binding of Adam Smith's seminal work An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, in 3 volumes.
The last edition published by Adam Smith before his death in 1790. Smith's Enlightenment ideas completely transformed the field of economics into its modern inception, so much so that today's readers might find his conclusions obvious. However, that is not due to their being banal, but rather they were so precise and enduring that they have essentially become elementary. This work is Smith's line in the sand, separating the medieval economics of God's will with the rational economics of absolute advantage.
Octavo, pp., [i-iii] iv-x, 499; [i-iii] iv- vi, 518, [6] Appendix; [i-iii] iv-v [1],465, [1], [50] Index.
Very Good. Moot Society bookplates inside the front cover of each volume and previous owner's signature "Sam Wragg - 1793" to the top of each title page. Joints lightly cracked but bindings are very sound and secure. Scuffing to the covers as pictured. Volume 3 pages bunched to the top right corner affecting pages 1-65 and a minor page edge bumping affecting pages 141-162. See photographs for detail. A beautifully preserved antiquarian set of a seminal work.
Please note, this antiquarian book set will require a signature on delivery. It will ship securely, double boxed, and with insurance and tracking.
