Books

London: John Murray, 1821. Ricardo, David (1772-1823). On the principles of political economy, and taxation. xii, 538pp. London: John Murray, 1821. 231 x 144 mm. (uncut). Original boards, rebacked, corners worn, light rubbing and staining; preserved in quarter morocco drop-back box. Light toning, edges a bit frayed, but very good. From the library of Francis Place (1771-1854), founder of the modern birth-control movement, with his signature and bookplate on the front endpapers and manuscript notes on the rear flyleaf; a few pencil notes probably his in the margins; 19th-century newspaper clippings on relevant topics tipped to the recto and verso of the front free endpaper. Third edition. David Ricardo is one the most important figures in the development of economic theory. He was one of the founders of the “Classical school” of economics, based on the idea that free markets can regulate themselves. He formalized the principles of the Classical system in his landmark Principles…