2 volumes, 4to (11 3/16 x 8 5/8 in.; 284 x 219 mm). Publisher's advertisement on last page of volume 2; without the half-titles, a few light marginal spots a bit heavier in vol 1, quires N and 3Q, and vol 2, quire 2Z, leaves D3-4 in vol 2 a bit shorter in fore-margin. Later half-calf over decorated paper boards, spine gilt with gilt-stamped red morocco title labels on spines, in a brown cloth slipcase; edges worn, tiny tears at head and foot of spines.

PMM 221; Goldsmiths 11392; Kress 7621; Rothschild 1897; Sabin 82303

without the half-titles, a few light marginal spots a bit heavier in vol 1, quires N and 3Q, and vol 2, quire 2Z, leaves D3-4 in vol 2 a bit shorter in fore-margin. Later half-calf over decorated paper boards, spine gilt with gilt-stamped red morocco title labels on spines, in a brown cloth slipcase.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of the "first and greatest classic of modern economic thought" (PMM).

"Every individual ... generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry he intends only his own security; and by directing that✅ industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention" (IV, chap. 2).

"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 ..." (Oxford DNB). By underminᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚing mercantilist theory, Smith makes the strongest economic argument against the supression o🦋f the American colonies.