Ricardo, David.

8vo (231 x 145mm.), first edition, 2 leaves of advertisements at the end, uncut and mostly unopened in the original boards, printed label on the spine, preserved in black chemise and quarter black morocco folding box, some foxing to text and edges, title repaired at inner margin, tear to 2O6 affecting a few letters, spine chipped affecting label and backstrip, upper cover nearly detached, lower cover starting, first gathering slightly loose

George Savile Foljambe (d.1869) of Osberton Hall, Nottinghamshire, sale of the Foljambe Collection, Christie's, 30 April 2008, lot 159

Kress B7029; Goldsmiths 21734; PMM 277

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

First edition in boards of the author's chief contribution to economic science, and the first systematic approach to the subject.

The thirty-one chapters address the "principal problem in Political Economy" defined as the determination of the laws which regulate "the natural course of rent, profit, and wages" over time. It also outlines a newly-developed labour theory of value, a theory of international competitive advantage, monetary theory and the effect of taxation. Remarkably, the book was the result of little more than six or seven months' active work, having to contend with the author's "hectic social life, recurring bouts of lethargy and defeatism, a 'temptation of being out in the air in fine weather', business interests, and the demands of a large family" (Terry Peach, Oxford DNB).