PBA Galleries

[x], 436 pp. (8vo) 8x5, contemporary calf with later morocco rebacking, marbled paper pasted over the original boards. Second Edition.

Second edition of Smith's first book, originally published in 1759 and embodying a number of his lectures from the University of Glasgow, where he was Professor of Moral Philisophy. This work, which established Smith's reputation in his day, was hailed by David Hume in typical ironic manner: "'I proceed to tell you the melancholy news', he wrote from London, 'that your book has been very unfortunate: for the public seem disposed to applaud it extremely. It was looked for by foolish people with some impatience: and the mob of literati are beginning already to be very loud in its praises. Three bishops called yesterday at Millar's shop in order to buy copies, and to ask questions about the author, you may conclude what opinion true philosophers will entertain of it, when these retainers to superstition praise it so highly'" (Mossner, Adam Smith: the Biographical Approach, p. 12).