An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

London: J. Maynard and F. Zinke, 1811. Leather. Very Good. 8.5" by 5.5". None. A smart uniformly bound collection of scottish economist and moral philosopher, Adam Smith's magnum opus. Fifth edition. The book offers one of the world's first collected descriptions of what builds nations' wealth and is today a fundamental work in classical economics. Through reflection over the economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the book touches upon broad topics as Division of labour, productivity and free markets. Originally published in 1776, during the Scottish Enlightenment and the Scottish Agricultural Revolution, it influenced a number of authors and economists, as well as governments and organisations. For example, Alexander Hamilton was influenced in part by The Wealth of Nations to write his Report on Manufactures, in which he argued against many of Smith's policies. Interestingly, Hamilton based much of this report on the ideas of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, and it was, in part, Colbert's ideas that Smith responded to with The Wealth of Nations. Complete in three volumes. Rebound in tree calf bindings with handwritten calf spine labels. Externally, boards are sound, but with rubbing to extremities and spines. Two spine labels are slightly lifting. All hinges are very slightly strained. Internally, firmly bound, bright and generally clean, aside from light spotting to endpapers. Very Good