Books

First edition of one of Walras's major contributions to his economico-social doctrine, based on lectures which he held at the University of Lausanne 1870-92. "As far as pure theory is concerned, Walras is in my opinion the greatest of all economists" (Schumpeter, quoted in Blaug, Great economists before Keynes, p. 264). In this work, as well as in his Etudes d'Economie politique appliquée (1898), Walras's main interest in pure theory (which he had earlier presented in Eléments d'Economie politique pure, 1874-77) shifted to issues of applied economics and social economics, reviving the activity he began when he was young. Octavo (208 x 140 mm). Contemporary blue half cloth, spine lettered in gilt, dark blue boards. Three diagrams, one folding. Early Italian library stamp to front pastedown; ownership signature to half-title in light pencil. Spine rubbed, faint stain to front board, contents slightly toned. A very good copy. Einaudi 5970; Masui 537; Mattioli 3800; New Palgrave III, p. 863; Sraffa 6248; Walker 194.

Études d'économie sociale explores social economics and includes discussions on wealth distribution, as well as considerations about the productive forces and institutional structures.