The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

FOUNDATION OF MODERN ECONOMIC THEORY
52. smiTh, ADAm. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. 2 volumes. [12], 510; [4],
587 + [1] ad pp. (4to) 11x8½, period calf. First Edition.
London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1776
First edition of Adam Smith’s ground-breaking analysis of capitalist economics, in which it was
demonstrated that the impetus of individual greed would create wealth for the many. The book
is of profound influence in the development of modern society, and its appearance in the same
year as the American Declaration
of Independence matched the
burgeoning political freedom to the
unfettering of economic activity.
Printing and the Mind of Man aptly
states: “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. The Wealth of Nations ins not
a system, but as a provisional analysis
it is completely convincing. The
certainty of its criticism and its grasp
of human nature have made it the
first and greatest classic of modern
economic thought.” Printing & the
Mind of Man 221; Rothschild 1897.
With the bookplates of Agnes &
Alfred Stern. Covers worn, detached,
spine strips partially perished; rear
flyleaf and final text leaf of Vol. I
detached together, light marginal
offset to title-page of Vol. I and
half-title of Vol. II (Vol. I has no
half-title, and was not issued with
one), internally a very nice, clean,
wide-margined copy, well worthy of
Lot 52
restoration of the binding.
(50000/80000)
Lot 53
INSCRIBED BY STEINBECK
53. sTeinBeck, John. Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber
Team. 185 pp. Illustrated from 60 photographs by
John Swope. 8½x6, decorative blue cloth stamped in
black and white, color pictorial jacket. First Edition.
New York: Viking, 1942
Inscribed and signed by John Steinbeck on the
front free endpaper “For...(?) six lessons from
Madame, John.” Written by Steinbeck for the
U.S. Army Air Forces, with all royalties from its
sale going to the Air Forces Aid Society Trust
Fund. Goldstone-Payne A18.a. Rubbing to jacket
extremities, a little wear along top edge, 1” closed
tear to rear panel; volume spine leaning, ends
rubbed, small bumps/tears to top edge of boards;
about very good in very good and bright jacket.
(3000/5000)
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