Books

3 vols., 8vo., Sixth Edition, early nineteenth-century signature on titles, some light and inoffensive spotting to a few leaves, some very ight marginalia in pencil only; strongly and attractively bound in nineteenth century half calf, boards in dark green diced cloth, backs with five raised bands tooled in gilt, second and fourth compartments with red leather labels ruled, lettered and numbered in gilt, red sprinkled edges, a remarkably well-preserved, crisp, clean copy in later period binding. One of 2000 copies printed. 'The Wealth of Nations', coming at a point when 'natural liberty' was being being widely debated, had a decisive influence both on the study of national economy and on the freeing of economic policy from the artificial restraint of the mercantilist system. Smith's statement that labour is the source of a nation's commodities and that the variation in 'stock' values are due to the interaction of wages, profits and rent, formulated the doctrine of the classic school of economic thought, and round it all modern economic discussion has revolved' (PMM). Goldsmiths 14612; Kress B.2209; Tribe 41. See also PMM 221, 363.

"The Wealth of Nations" is a seminal work by the Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith, published in 1776. It is considered one of the foundational texts of modern economics and a cornerstone in understanding the principles of capitalism and free-market economies. Smith's primary focus is to analyze the nature and causes of the wealth of nations. He introduces the concept of the "invisible hand," arguing that individuals pursuing their self-interest in a competitive market inadvertently contribute to the overall economic well-being of society. Smith illustrates how the division of labor leads to increased productivity and efficiency within industries, consequently fostering economic growth. He emphasizes that specialization allows workers to become more skilled and efficient at their tasks, leading to higher output. Central to Smith's ideas is the notion of free trade and the benefits it brings. He advocates for minimal government intervention in economic affairs, believing that markets left to operate freely tend to regulate themselves through the forces of supply and demand. However, Smith also acknowledges the importance of certain governmental roles, such as providing public goods, maintaining infrastructure, enforcing contracts, and protecting society from external threats. Smith criticizes mercantilism, the prevailing economic system of his time, which emphasized accumulating wealth through a positive balance of trade and a strong focus on exporting while limiting imports. He argues that this approach is counterproductive and advocates for free trade, stating that a nation's wealth is not solely measured by its stock of gold and silver but by the productivity and living standards of its people. Furthermore, Smith discusses the role of wages, profits, and rent in the economy, addressing factors influencing each and their impacts on economic development. He delves into the relationship between economic growth, capital accumulation, and technological progress, highlighting the significance of innovation and investment in driving long-term prosperity. In essence, "The Wealth of Nations" provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying economic systems, advocating for free markets, individual liberty, and limited government intervention as the pillars for generating wealth and fostering societal advancement. Its influence extends across various fields, shaping economic thought and policy for centuries to come.