AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF THE WEALTH OF NATIONS

Book Description

Dublin: Printed by William Porter, for G. Burnet ... [et al], 1793.. Two volumes. xiii,[1],498;viii,489,[60],[1] plus blank. Octavo. Handsome modern three quarter calf and marbled boards, raised bands, gilt labels. A couple of small marks to title margin of second volume, margin of O8 in second volume a bit darkened and frayed, some early pencil notes to final blank in second volume, occasional modest foxing and marginal dust marking, but actually a very good set (though likely married at some earlier date), with the half-title in the first volume. Denoted the "Fifth Edition" on the title, but in fact the third Irish edition, based on the London fifth edition of 1788. The first Irish printing appeared in 1776. Along with his THE THEORY OF MORAL SENTIMENTS, Smith's most important work, beginning "with the thought that labour is the source from which a nation derives what is necessary to it. The improvement of the division of labour is the measure of productivity...Labour represents the three essential elements - wages, profit and rent - and these three also constitute income. From the workings of the economy, Smith passes to its matter - 'stock' - which encompasses all that man owns either for his own consumption or the return it brings him. THE WEALTH OF NATIONS ends with a history of economic development, a definitive onslaught on the mercantile system, and some prophetic speculations on the limits of economic control. Where the political aspects of human rights had taken two centuries to explore, Smith's achievement was to bring the study of economic aspects to the same point in a single work" - PMM. ESTC T95114. KRESS B.2617. PRINTING & THE MIND OF MAN 221.

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