Lot 375
  • 375

Smith, Adam

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1776
  • Smith, Adam
  • Printed Book
2 volumes, 4to, FIRST EDITION, volume 2 with half-title, and publisher's advertisement leaf at the end, contemporary tree calf, gilt, marbled endpapers, minor spotting and staining, scattered tears, volume one with blank leaf at end showing offsetting from title-page, hinges starting, rebacked retaining original spine, corners repaired, lightly rubbed

Provenance

J.T. Williamson, bookplates

Literature

ESTC T96668; PMM 221; Rothschild 1897; Kress 7621; Goldsmith's 11392; Sabin 82303

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

First edition of the "first and greatest classic of modern economic thought" (Printing and the Mind of Man).

"The Wealth of Nations had no rival in scope or depth when published and is still one of the few works in its field to have achieved classic status, meaning simply that it has sustained yet survived repeated reading, critical and adulatory, long after the circumstances which prompted it have become the object of historical enquiry..." (Donald Winch, Oxford DNB).