An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Oeconomy:

Important precursor to The Wealth of Nations. The first systematic survey of economic policy in English. The first edition of Sir James Steuart's Inquiry into the Principles of Political Oeconomy, an important precursor to Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, which represented the culmination of the mercantilist thought that had dominated European economic thinking throughout the early modern period.

'Steuart's aim was to produce a great conceptual system, linking the most interesting branches of theory and policy, such as "population, agriculture, trade, industry, money, coin, interest, circulation, banks, exchange, public credit and taxes"' (ODNB). The work was well-received, and Steuart's historical approach found later influence in the writings of Hegel and Karl Marx.

'The first English work which had any pretensions to be considered as a systematic or complete view of the subject' (J.R. McCulloch).

First edition; 2 vols; 4to (30.5 x 24 cm); 2 tables (vol. I folding), errata to verso preface vol. I & last f. to end vol. II, final f. of text in vol. I slightly creased, occasional light spotting; contemporary mottled calf, single gilt rules, gilt spine in 6 compartments, contrasting red morocco lettering-pieces, spine caps slightly chipped, small split to upper joints, corners a little bumped, slightly rubbed, very good; xv, [13], 639, [1]; [16], 646, [14]pp.

ESTC N797; Sabin 91387; Goldsmiths 10276; Kress 6498.