Books

First edition thus. Several Papers comprises an issue under a collective title page of the second editions of three of John Locke's economic tracts, all relating to the recoinage controversy of the 1690s, in which the government attempted to replace the country's clipped, worn, and widely forged coinage with a new, devalued currency. Though Locke was writing in response to a specific crisis his works had a lasting impact on monetary theory. He soon gained, and retained well into the 19th century, the reputation as a defender of an honest commercial society free from currency manipulation by governments. "Locke's writings on money and his arguments against devaluation have almost been regarded as gospels for 'sound money' men" (Ming-Hsun Li, pp. 104). The tracts included are Some Considerations of the Consequences of the Lowering of Interest and Raising the Value of Money (first edition 1692), Short Observations... on Coining Silver Money (first edition 1695), and Further Considerations Concerning Raising the Value of Money (first edition 1695). The book is bibliographically complicated, composed from existing sheets of the three works, with a collective title page in two states. This copy has Yolton's second issue of the collective title page, cancelled to read "By Mr. John Locke," rather than the original "By John Locke, Esq;". The third work can be present in sheets of either its second or third edition, here the second edition and retaining the distinguishing errata slip. READ MORE Octavo (162 x 94). Recent quarter calf, marbled sides, vellum tips. Housed in custom black cloth solander box. Contemporary ownership signature of one "Walter John Stone" to title page. Light browning and a few stains. A very good copy. ESTC R19558; Goldsmiths' 3315; Kress 1980; Wing L2757; Yolton 163B. Ming-Hsun Li, The Great Recoinage of 1696-9, 1963.

This book, authored by John Locke, discusses several fundamental economic principles, exploring themes of money, interest, and trade. It is a significant work that delves into the interactions of economic policies and commercial practices in the late 17th century.